August Happiness Challenge -- Day 18

 Today's happiness: Kamilah Doesn't Hate Me

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Kamilah is one of the sales associates at the card shop. She has always regarded me warily and hasn't spoken to me unless absolutely necessary. Initially this bothered me because our boss, Ceecee, always talks about Kamilah as though she's one of the warmest people on the planet. Well, not with me. She's under no obligation to like me, and since we seldom work together for more than half hour at a crack, I can live with that.

Today I stopped by the card shop on my day off to (naturally) buy a get well card for my aunt. Jen was the manager on duty and Kamilah was on duty, too. I knew Jen would be happy to see me. I was surprised, however, that Kamilah was animated and participated in Jen's and my conversation.

So Kamilah doesn't hate me. That's so much better than Kamilah hating me. So I'm happy.

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 17

Today's happiness: Lake Michigan

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I take our very great lake for granted. Most important, I'm grateful for the water that comes into my home. It tastes great and never leaves me with flat hair, like I sometimes have when I travel and visit places with mineral-laden water. Lake Michigan is beautiful -- every time I see it my tiny heart swells a bit, like the Grinch's -- and it keeps life interesting.

For example, here I was today, in my living room, less than 20 miles from Wrigley Field. It was sunny outside my window, yet they were rolling the tarp across the field, protecting it from the sudden downpour. Huh? What? Rain? Not in this neighborhood. Yet in Wrigleyville, it came down so hard there were two separate rain delays.

I mentioned this on my Facebook feed and friends all over Chicagoland chimed in. Just as we get "lake effect" snow, today we had showers only near the lake. It's amazing, fascinating. 

BTW, the Cubs won!

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.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: I Get Around (1964)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 60 years ago this month, the Beach Boys were singing that having a cool car and helped them get girls. In your teen years, what did you drive? I was barely still in my teens when my family decided I'd get over my aversion to driving if I had my own car. I was given a massive old Impala. I hated it because every time it rained the car would cut out at stop signs and stoplights. I'd have to restart it with all the other drivers honking at me. (Where were all these people going in such a hurry anyway?) My dad would insist there was nothing wrong with the car. OK, then, it's me. I'm not only clumsy with steering, I can't figure out how to operate a car. I gave up. The bus was just easier. I still don't drive.

2) They are searching for a new place to party. This weekend, will you be visiting any bars, theaters or restaurants? Restaurants for sure. I have nothing defrosted so there will be few home-cooked meals this weekend.

3) When Brian Wilson was forming the group, he turned to his friend Al Jardine, his brothers Dennis and Carl, and his cousin, Mike Love. Though most of their songs were about cars, beaches and surf, only one of those founding members was a surfer: Dennis. Do you enjoy the beach? Are you good on a surfboard? I'm not a big beach girl, though I like to swim in pools, and I can't imagine myself on a surfboard.

4) They were originally from Hawthorne, California. Hawthorne was the early childhood home of Marilyn Monroe. Since Marilyn was one of the most iconic women of the 20th century, we know you recognize her image. Have you seen any of her movies? I've seen most of them. Just last night I re-watched part of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

5) "I Get Around" is included in Endless Summer, the greatest hits compilation released in 1974. Influential music critic Robert Christgau said Endless Summer should be part of any basic record library. What's one of your favorite CDs? This is one of my go-tos. Jann Arden's cover of "You Don't Know Me" is a highlight.

Let's look at the summer of 1964.

6) The #1 film of the summer of 1964 was Walt Disney's Mary Poppins. Have you seen it? Only about a gazillion times. It truly is practically perfect in every way.

7) President Lyndon Johnson accepted the Democratic party's nomination at the August 1964 convention in Atlantic City, NJ. Atlantic City is known for casinos and gambling. Do you often play the lottery, bingo, or any other game of chance? I buy Illinois State Lottery tickets at least once/month.

8) Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was still a baby in the summer of 1964. What was in your most recent Amazon delivery? I'm awaiting my fave Body Shop moisturizer. I always bought it "buy 2, get 1 free" and realized I was down to my last container early in March. Instead of ordering it then and there, like I would have when I was working full-time, I decided to wait a couple weeks until I'd saved a little more discretionary income. Well, hell! By the time I had the money in late March, The Body Shop filed for bankruptcy and shut down their website! I discovered a "Body Shop Store" on Amazon but shipping takes for freaking ever! That's what I get for trying to be sensible with money.

Get here already!

9) Another little one born in '64 is Mariska Hargitay. The star of Law & Order: SVU is the daughter of a well-known movie star. Without looking it up, do you know who her mother was? Jayne Mansfield. I don't believe I've ever seen any of her movies, but she was on the game shows -- Password, To Tell the Truth -- when I was a little girl.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 16

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Today's happiness: Eggs Benedict

 

A new breakfast place opened on the other side of the railroad tracks. Today I finally made it over there. I haven't had Eggs Benedict in forever and I'd forgotten how much I like Canadian bacon. And here's a little thing that made me happy: instead of drinking glasses, they serve cold beverages in mason jars with handles.

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.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 15

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Today's happiness: I made myself heard.

I've been seeing the chiropractor for more than two weeks now. My left knee is killing me. Actually, it's the back of my knee that hurts and there's inflammation on the inside. 

I usually like my chiropractor and appreciate her skills. Earlier this year she properly diagnosed my heels spur and between her adjustments and laser treatments, I was fine in no time. But this time, she hasn't been as successful.

Worse than that, she's been dismissive. When I told her Monday that the pain made walking any distance unbearable, she said she'd "bet nobody else would think it was so bad." 

In real time, I felt like she'd slapped me. I was shocked. I said that she had to understand that since I don't drive, I have to walk everywhere and the knee pain left me feeling vulnerable. She said, "I get it." But I don't believe she did.

I thought of my mom. My mother never questioned her doctors, never pushed back. After all, they were learned, they had degrees, so they knew best. I loved my mom, but I'm not her. Any doctor, dentist or chiropractor has many patients, but this is my one and only body. So my care is naturally more important to me than it is to them.

And so I kept turning what my doctor said, over and over in my head. I won't be dismissed. It's not fair and it's not helpful. I am in pain. It's her job to help make me well. I'm going to insist she do that job.

So today, instead of laying down on the table for my customary adjustment, I sat upright and pointed to my knee. "I'm wearing shorts so you can look at my knee." I told her it felt warm to me, not to the touch but from the inside. And it still hurts to walk. "That means inflammation, doesn't it?" I asked.

She did today what she should have done Monday when I reiterated the knee pain. She palpated it. She compared my painful left knee to my functioning right one. She agreed that there is something "up" there -- possibly a Baker's cyst or a ligament injury. Neither is that serious (after all, I'm still walking), but diagnosing them requires imaging equipment she doesn't have. So she's referring me to an orthopedic clinic.

If I hadn't spoken up, she would have just given me the adjustment and sent me on my way. So I am happy that I took control and made myself heard.

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.

Thursday Thirteen #372

Thirteen recent Amazon orders. When Amazon launched 29 summers ago, it called itself The World's Largest Bookstore. It sold only books. While it seems that hardly a week goes by that I don't receive an Amazon shipment, these days, it's seldom books (though I use Amazon when I send a book as a gift to someone). 

 

Here are 13 of my most recent Amazon orders:

1. 16-month pocket planner.

2. Cat litter.

3. MacBook Pro charger.

4. Hose repair tape.

5. Gerber Meats baby food (for my cat, Connie).

6. Clear shower curtain liner.

7. Package of 12-inch rules (delivered to the local back-to-school backpack drive).

8. Jewelry box.

9. "Get out the vote" postcards (mine say "Your Vote Matters!").
10. Earthworm Natural and Family Safe Drain Cleaner.

12. Mesh laundry bags "for delicates."

13. Laundry basket.

 

Looking at the list, it occurs to me that I don't order frivolous things from Amazon. I think I felt more genuine delight opening their boxes when they did contain books!

 

How about you? What do you order from Amazon?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 14

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Today's happiness: He/she chemistry.

You know how when you're watching a movie and you simply cannot wait for the leading man to plant one on the leading lady? That's how I felt twice today, watching two different movies starring (wait for it) Ann Sheridan and Ronald Reagan.

Yeah, I'm shocked, too. Politics aside, I never considered Ronald Reagan an objet de desir. Before today, I only ever saw him in one film, Nine Lives Are Not Enough (1941), and he was funny and comfortable in front of the camera but he was not especially romantic.

I've never been a big Ann Sheridan fan, either. In the 1940s she was considered a glamor girl, but I've always found her too hard-edged, too tough to be tender. 

Yet this morning I finished Kings Row (1942), a highly-regarded period drama that's been taking up space on my DVR. I found it overlong and overwrought, but damn! Rich boy Drake McHugh (Reagan) and the tomboy from the wrong side of the tracks (Sheridan) were charismatic and completely believable as lovers and I couldn't wait for them to live happily ever after.

I texted my friend Will, the moderator of our movie group, and asked him if he knew about this gem. After all, he's always sung Ann Sheridan's praises. He not only knew it, he recounted his favorite scene and recommended Juke Girl, released just months after Kings Row. This time Reagan is Steve, a migrant farmer looking for work and Sheridan is Lola, the girl of the title, who works in a saloon. It's kind of like Grapes of Wrath, if everyone in Grapes of Wrath had great teeth and a standing appointment with a hair stylist. OK, so it's not a great movie. But the romance between worldly wise Lola and idealistic, impetuous Steve* delivers.

Sigh.

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.

*Ronald Reagan, Mr. Trickle-Down Economics, as a desperate migrant worker!

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? The Boys by Clint Howard and Ron Howard. Who doesn't love Ron Howard? He was Opie and Richie Cunningham. He sang "The Wells Fargo Wagon" in The Music Man. He's a massive Beatle fan (Eight Days a Week) and an Oscar-winning director. He's also the poster boy for normalcy. Whenever people talk about how Hollywood messes kids up, someone points to Ron Howard as the exception that proves the rule.

This joint memoir by Ron and his brother Clint (Gentle Ben) is a celebration of normal. I look forward to hearing how they grew up from successful child actors to successful men.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading? One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt. This is the ninth entry in the Andy Carpenter series. One thing we've known about Andy from the very beginning, one of his defining characteristics, is that he loves his dog, Tara. 

This book begins with Andy taking a case because the man accused once owned Tara and he (and we) want to know her backstory. It turns into a wild ride filled with blackmail and murder. The bad guys in this book rack up quite a body count. That's my only gripe with it. Too many corpses, too many suspects, too many twists and turns. I would have been happier with a simpler, more linear plot and more courtroom scenes. But still, I'm glad I read it.

3. What will you read next? Don't know.

 

 

 

August Happiness Challenge: Day 13

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Today's happiness: I made it myself!

 

I bought a pair of beef medallions on sale. Today I tossed one on my trusty George Foreman grill. I had mashed potatoes on the side and a slice of that angel food cake I got as part of Too Good to Go.

 

No one would ever confuse me with a home-ec major. But it was a very good meal. And I'm well within my budget for the week! Pardon me while I take a bow.

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.

 

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller. A biography of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. One thing I envy about her was her ability to raise just her right eyebrow. I can't do that. If I had that talent, I hope I could use it as expressively as she did.

... Once, while she was about to dig into a slice of pizza, Carolyn heard a colleague berating Narcisco Rodriguez, a new young designer for the woman's collection from behind one of the screens during a fitting. Carolyn stepped into the area of the scuffle. She looked at the pizza in her hand. She looked at the face of Narcisco's adversary. She looked back at the pizza. Then raising that eyebrow, looked back at the adversary. Did this person want to stop berating her dear friend or did she want this piece of piping hot, dripping cheese pizza on her face? The colleague fled the scene and thereafter treated Narcisco with due respect.

 

August Happiness Challenge: Day 12

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Today's happiness: A Nap

 

The morning began with me doing two loads of wash. Then I went to the chiropractor and made a Target run (or limp, since my left knee is still a problem). I then had two hours until my movie group zoom call. What to do?

 

I napped. 

 

It was refreshing and it made me happy that, being mostly retired, I have the freedom to do it.  

 

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.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 11

Today's happiness: "Beach Baby"

Today was not going as I wanted it to. I had wanted to play outside -- it's one of those rare August summer days that isn't too hot and the leaves are all so lush and green! -- but let's say my gut had other plans. I was sad about the unfairness of it all, and then this song from 1974 came on the radio. I love the sound of it, and it made me miss juke boxes. (They're not only mentioned in the lyrics, I played it on the juke box back on the day.)

I am lucky that something so simple can lift my spirits so much.

 

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

STOLEN FROM SWATBOT

1. I am looking forward to ... Going to the chiropractor Monday. This leg pain is getting better by day but it is still bad at night.

2. Least favorite words. My least favorite word begins with a "c." Let's leave it at that.

3. If I ruled the world people would be more polite in public. It sounds like a little thing when you consider all that's wrong with the world. But a stranger's rudeness and grumpiness can stick to me all day, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. I think the world would be happier if we all paid closer attention to how we board elevators, pass one another in store aisles, etc.

4. Favorite websites and blogs. I am loving the ladies who have joined me in the August Happiness Challenge: Deb J. in Utah, Kwizgiver and Country Dew.

5. Things I do for myself. Everything! I live alone so I don't share chores with anyone.

6. Weekly rituals. I do laundry on Tuesday.

7. DIYs I want to try. None. I am the laziest and least handy woman you'll ever meet.

8. On my shopping list. It seems I'm always in need of Bounty paper towels and Coke.

9. Places to see in your town. If you come to Chicago, you must visit The Friendly Confines.

10. Road trip must-haves. Twizzlers or Life Savers or a cup of applesauce and a spoon ... stuff that will quench my thirst but won't make me pee.

11. Guilty pleasures. Lately I have been watching reruns of the 1960s soap Peyton Place, and I have been enjoying them thoroughly.

12. Things I'd rather be doing right now. Napping.

13. Books I'd like to read this year. 12 Months to Live by James Patterson and Mike Lupica. I've heard that it's a fun read, and I'm on the library waiting list.

14. Lessons learned. Drinking water is good for you. Really. Your kidneys and your complexion will thank you if you drink more water.

15. Vacations to take. My TV boyfriend, TCM's Eddie Muller, hosts film noir film festivals in cities all over the country. In addition to Chicago, there's San Francisco, Detroit, Washington DC and Philly. I think it would be a blast to travel by Amtrak to all those cities and watch movies all day and night. (Margaret from my movie group does just that, and I'm so jealous.)

Extra question:   Olympic events I like to watch or follow. I don't pay any attention to the Olympics, but I am aware of this: Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal to win the Gold for the US in soccer. Her hubs is our own Dansby Swanson, the Cubs' Gold Glove shortstop.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 10

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Today's happiness: Hurkle-Durkle

 

A Scottish phrase, it means "to lie in bed or lounge about when one should be up and about." I learned it from Kwizgiver. I didn't shower until after noon and only went out to pick up my late lunch. I accomplished little and regret even less.

 

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.

Saturday 9

 
Saturday 9: Annie's Song (1974)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 50 years ago this month, we were all listening to John Denver rhapsodize about nature. He singles out walking in the rain as a particularly lovely experience. Do you enjoy walking in the rain? Not especially.

2) Denver wrote this song on a ski lift in Aspen. He clearly relished the ride, but ski lifts are problematic for those who suffer from acrophobia, or a fear of heights. Acrophobia plagues approximately 5% of Americans. Are you one of them? Nope.

3) John Denver recalled that this song just came to him as he looked down on the beauty of nature. Can you recall a time when something you saw in nature touched your heart? I fell in love with Hot Springs, AR. The water comes out of the ground at about 140º so there's always steam rising from it. Everything around the springs seems lush and green. The water is rich in minerals and it's a delight to visit one of the spas and bathe in it. I'd like to return some day.

 

4) Wildly successful here in The States, John Denver's popularity didn't extend to the United Kingdom. In fact, "Annie's Song" was his only major hit. But it was a big one. Denver's version reached #1 in 1974 and then in 1978 James Galway hit #1 on the UK charts with an instrumental version. Do you have a favorite instrumental recording? I love "Seasons of Love," the theme from Peyton Place. I'm sure it contributes to my enduring affection for the 1960s TV show and the film from the 1950s.

5) John Denver's first-ever guitar, a gift from his grandmother, was displayed at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Have you visited a museum yet this summer? If not, do you have plans to? My friend Elaine and I are talking about visiting the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit at The Art Institute. It closes in mid-September, so we better just do it already.

6) In addition to the guitar, Denver also played the violin (or "the fiddle," as he called it). If a genie appeared to magically enable you to play the instrument of your choice, which would you choose? Piano. There's a scene in A Hard Day's Night where Paul McCartney sits down at a hotel piano and just starts playing. I always thought it would be so cool to be able to do that.

Let's look at the summer of 1974.

7) Elizabeth Berkeley was born. She's best known as Jesse on the Saturday morning teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. What Saturday morning TV shows do you remember fondly? "He's the boss, he's a pip, he's the championship, he's the most tip top TOP CAT!" 

 

8) Hall of Fame pitcher and Cardinal great Dizzy Dean died. How is your baseball team doing this summer? Oh hell, I don't know. The Cubs aren't even playing .500 ball, and yet because our entire division kinda sucks, we aren't out of contention for the playoffs. Post-season baseball would be nice, but I'm not counting on it.

9) The biggest summer movie was The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. What's your favorite Burt Reynolds movie? Smokey and the Bandit.

I went for John

My friend John died last April. He was 68. I am still heartbroken because I was nowhere near ready to say goodbye. 

Today I went to the chiropractor's office for a therapeutic massage. Monday I'll be back for an adjustment. Because of my spinal stenosis, my gait is "off" and it's causing strain on the muscles that run from the back of my left knee down to my ankle. It hurts like mad when I get up after sitting and stairs are difficult. But my chiropractor is going to make me better. I insist on it.

Which brings me back to John. He had so much wrong over the last five years or so. He had congestive heart failure and diabetes. He needed a cane to walk, he was short of breath, and suffered from anxiety. Yet he didn't even have a primary care physician. He behaved as though if a doctor didn't specifically tell him something was wrong, it wasn't wrong. 

Because I'm hurting, I'm struggling to understand why it happened. Why he had to leave me. The best I can come up with is that the way he lived and died should be a lesson to those of us who loved him.

I'm not going to let my world get smaller and smaller, as John's had. I'm not going to just accept that discomfort is part of growing older. I have Medicare and supplemental insurance and I'm using them to full advantage. 

John and I enjoyed so much together over our 43 years of friendship. Now I have to figure out how to go on without him. If I can help it, it won't be with a cane.

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 9

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Today's happiness: "I really liked the berry!"

I always have "blessing bags" in my purse. Each zip-lock bag* includes $1, a lip balm, a tissue packet, a couple tiny hand sanitizer pouches, and a breakfast bar. Except for the buck, each of these items comes from the dollar store, so it's not a great investment on my part.

 

The folks I give the bags to often don't speak English, and others seem to have emotional problems, so we don't have much conversation beyond my "good luck" and their "thank you." Which is fine. I don't do it for praise. I'm inspired by that Bible quote: "As you did to the least of my brothers, you did to me." 

But that doesn't mean acknowledgement doesn't make me happy. Like today. I gave one of my regulars his bag as I went into Target. On the way out, he thanked me again and added, "I really liked the berry!" He'd noticed that I'd switched breakfast bar flavors and he'd snarfed his down already. 

One of my neighbors ate something nutritious today because of me and what's more, he enjoyed it. Something so small on my part made a difference to someone. I'm both humbled and very happy.

 

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.

 *When you spend most of your life outdoors, the zip-lock bag is important in and of itself because you can use it to keep your belongings organized and dry.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 8

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Today's happiness: It's Done!

I feel like I have been worried about my kitchen sink forever. First it was little winged bugs that would fly up through the drain in cold weather. I combated them with lots of hot water and a drain cleaner especially for the purpose, but it was a temporary fix because the bugs were coming in from somewhere.

Then it was the leaky pipes under my sink. I taped it up myself (and did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself) and put a bucket down there. but I knew it wasn't a forever fix, either.

Who would replace those pipes? I have a handyman I trust, but not a plumber. Would it be expensive and time-consuming? Would this plumber I don't even know have to turn off the water for the whole building? Will there be famine and pestilence? Really, I was spinning out of control.

 

I'm such an odd duck. In my previous professional life, I could make consequential decisions on the spot, at the head of the table, with all eyes on me. I was confident and didn't hesitate. But this homeowner shit! It perplexes and vexes me! 

The plumber was here for just 90 minutes. The bill came in at the midpoint of the estimate. Now I have a kitchen sink with no cracks for bugs and no leaks, and a plumber I can trust if something else goes wrong.

 

I am happy that it's done. I am happy that it ended well. I am happy I can relax.

 

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.