5 (good) things!

Thankfully, the hullabaloo that accompanies a four-year-old's birthday party is over (pics to come soon!), and now I am in the post party cleanup, catch-up-on-everything-else stage. The nice thing about this is that it gives me a chance to reflect on what's going on in my life, and to be grateful for the good things. I have a lot, but for tonight, here are a few of those good things.

1. I have the best sister in law ever. No, seriously - E.V.E.R. I can't even begin to count how many times she has kept me from crossing over into insanity, and she did it again this weekend. She helped me pull together all the details of Riley's birthday, and while I was at a work commitment the night before the party, she made three dozen cupcakes for me so I wouldn't be up until 3 am. She's a keeper, I tell ya. Jamie- Thank you for everything you do for me and for Riley. We sure do love you!

Jamie with Karlee and Riley, July 2011

2. Since I'm staying put in my condo for a while, I've decided to make over my bedroom. I've given myself a pretty decent budget (in my opinion), and am going to make it into exactly the space I want it to be. The last time I had a bedroom that was exactly what I wanted was in high school, and I am more excited about this than is actually reasonable. Oh well - I'm allowed, right? I'm getting started this week with some closet deconstruction and reconstruction, then painting a new color and getting new bedding and whatnot. I hope to be done by the time labor day weekend is over.

3. The Girl received a set of different card games for her birthday, and I've spent a good portion of today teaching her to play 'Go Fish' and 'Crazy Eights'. It's so fun to watch her try to strategize her way through these types of games. She's pretty good at Go Fish, Crazy Eights baffles her every time, but the one game she can beat me at every time - Memory Match. Really! She has an amazing photographic memory and can kick my trash every time we play.

Go Fish

4. So far, it seems like all my east coast friends weathered the hurricane safely and with minimal problems. There are a couple I haven't heard from yet, but it seems like they are ok from their facebook and twitter updates. I'm so grateful for their safety, and for the technology that helps us keep tabs on each other quickly and easily.

5. I have some major creative energy going these days. I love how it feels to be in this mode, and to have that mojo carry over into other areas of life. My brain is exploding with a bunch of ideas and I am actually making the time to execute them. It's a good thing, and I've found it is so important in helping me stay open and centered.

What's good in your life tonight?