Day 178 - Leftovers

I know I've sung the praises of leftovers before but tonight they were a lifesaver. Ok. That might be a bit melodramatic but I found joy in them, all the same. We were going to order pizza and take it to our neighborhood pool for a fun evening dinner. The kids would swim and my husband and I would enjoy each other's company, nibbling on the left over pizza crust. But just as I was going to tell the kids to put their suits on and order, the sky opened up. Lightning. Thunder. The works. I took a peek at the radar and we were stuck for a while. I didn't want to go out in that mess and I certainly didn't want to have a pizza driver have to deliver in it. So I went to the freezer, pulled out a frozen soup from a month ago and Voila! Dinner is served thanks to joyful leftovers!

Day 177 - Coffee

I was never a coffee drinker. In fact, I didn't really enjoy my first cup until I was in my mid 30's. And then? You couldn't stop me. I don't drink a ton - just about 5 cups a week. But when I do, I sip. I cradle the cup in my hands. I savor. I enjoy a slow, hot cup of coffee - lightly sweetened and a dash or two of cream. And this morning, the kids were all occupied upstairs leaving me in peace to savor a delicious cup. There is joy in a cup of coffee.

Day 176 - Season Finales

I enjoy television. I enjoy it a little too much. I get wrapped up in more than my fair share of series, TiVo-ing them to watch later. To the point that my TiVo hovers at full most of the year. Thank goodness for season finales. I have vowed not to get involved in any new series until the fall - at least. And I'm slowly watching and deleting the final episodes (of the season, anyway) of my favorite shows: House, 30 Rock, Big Bang Theory, Flashforward, Law & Order (bye-bye L&O - you'll be missed!) I'll miss you all until the fall - but there's a part of my that is glad we're taking a break from each other. Ah, the joy of season finales!

Day 175 - Someone To Talk To

I have a strained relationship with my parents. As a result, I keep a therapist on retainer. I used to see one regularly. As I've grown, I just check in with her on a sporadic basis. But I have a trip, an unavoidable family obligation, coming up. So I'm a bit extra stressed. A bit extra anxious. Talking to someone, thinking and musing out loud about how to handle the unforeseen is such a healthy, helpful thing for me. And today it was pure joy having someone to talk to about my fears!

Day 174 - Luau

We were shopping last week and my sons found a bunch of leis on sale for fifty cents each. They wanted to get them but I told them we needed a reason to buy them. We'll have a party, one of them said. So today we had our version of a luau. With leis and festive party plates, grilled pork tenderloin, grilled pineapple and vegetables, fruit salad with fresh grated coconut. We played island music and generally just had a blast. A luau brought joy to this family today!

Day 173 - Rain

We moved into our brand new home smack dab in the middle of the worst drought in decades. All of our new landscaping suffered. We lost some things. We replaced, coddled and protected. And finally, we have rain. Lots and lots of welcome rain. I know it's Memorial Day weekend and the storms are ruining lots of plans for many. But I'm finding joy in rain!

Day 172 - Movie Night

Tonight was movie night at Chez Joy. Popcorn. Staying up late (for the kids, anyway). Cuddling and snuggling. Laughing and enjoying. It's a time for us to enjoy a movie together in the comfort of our own family room. I love our movie nights. Family time joy!