Day 143 - Prom

I have good memories of my high school prom. But what I didn't like was the anticipation and need for everything to be "perfect." My daughter's prom is this evening. I didn't want her stressed and anxious. So, since she only had a half day of school today, I treated her to a "day of beauty" with her hair and make-up professionally done. And she looked gorgeous. She was still a little stressed but all in all she felt confident and beautiful. And she is! I hope she finds joy in Prom!

Day 142 - Perfect Weather

I live in the southern United States. Our winters are mild and our summers are hot and humid. But our springs and falls? Perfect. Highs in the 70s and low 80s. Lows in the 50s. Low humidity. And today was one of those days. I so enjoyed my errands today. I purposely parked far away from every store entrance just to enjoy a long walk in this perfect weather. Joy!

Day 141 - Comfort Food

Today was a day for comfort food. It's been a long couple weeks with my son and I having strep throat, him having an allergic reaction to his meds. I'm done with the emergency room for awhile, that's for sure. I have the energy to cook and tonight was a night for comfort food. Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots with butter and brown sugar and green bean casserole. And plenty of leftovers! Because I find joy in comfort food!

Day 140 - Sonic

My son asked what was for dessert tonight. We don't always have dessert but their dinner was full of vegetables. I searched the pantry and couldn't find much that would pass for dessert. My daughter said, "Sonic run!" She was right. A rootbeer float DID sound pretty good. So off they went to bring back some Sonic joy! The perfect treat!

Day 139 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

We're currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl to the boys. I say "we" because my husband is involved. This is a first. He took over one night last week because of my cold. I had no voice to read and he reluctantly stepped in. And he hasn't been able to stay away. So now, all four of us, cuddle at bedtime to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks for the family joy, Mr. Wonka and friends!

Day 138 - Kool Aid

Sometimes, it's the simple things. I remember having Kool Aid as a kid. My favorite flavor was raspberry, but they don't have that flavor anymore. They have blue raspberry lemonade. And that's my boys favorite. I think it's the color that they get a kick out of. It's a lazy Sunday afternoon. Warm and sunny outside. My husband just cleaned all the pollen off the back porch so we decided to make some Kool Aid and sip and relax. Simple joy in Kool Aid.

Day 137 - The Weekend

I'm so glad we opted out of t-ball/baseball this spring. We're going to do it in the summer, instead. So now, about every other weekend or so, we have no plans! Nothing scheduled for the weekend. My son and I decided to bake a cake - so we just up and did it. Then, because it was pouring rain outside, we played Uno and then watched a movie. Just a lazy weekend with absolutely no plans! And tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and warm. There is such joy in the weekend!

Day 136 - Zoo Memories

I chaperoned a field trip to the zoo today. We used to be members and we went all the time. It was the very first outing I took with my two babies when they were 3 months and 13 months old. It was the very first place I nursed my 3 month old in public. I remember the very bench I was sitting on, watching the monkeys while my 13 mo. old nibbled crackers in his stroller. It was a trip down memory lane today and our city zoo is lovely. Shaded, full of wonderful animals. Zoo memories = joy.

Day 135 - TiVo

It was a lazy day at Chez Joy. I'm still struggling to get over this cold. The antibiotics are wonderful but I'm dragging. I have so little energy. Just enough energy to fold laundry and catch up on the shows I've TiVo'd. What DID we do before TiVo? I hardly watch a commercial anymore. I skip through the car-chase scenes or pointless action or sex. Reader's Digest condensed versions of my favorite shows. Oh, the joy in TiVo!

Day 134 - Tulips

Spring has sprung but the tulips are almost spent where I live. In the front entrance of the subdivision there is a beautiful stand of red and pink tulips. They look positively stunning and they're about to die. Lately, I've found myself purposely using that particular entrance (instead of the back which is closer to my house) just to see those beautiful tulips. Enjoying them while I can. Joy is something so simple as tulips.

Day 133 - Freedom of Speech

I don't like to offend anyone. And I posted a fairly controversial opinion on my other blog today. I'm losing a few readers over it. I'd like to say I don't care, but I do. But I can't be someone I'm not. I am just so grateful today that I live somewhere where I can respectfully express my opinion about something and not be arrested for it. Or ostracized. Or banned from speaking again. Today, there is joy in freedom of speech!

Day 132 - Rotisserie Chicken

I know, weird, right? Joy in rotisserie chicken? But I had a heck of a day today. Hadn't been grocery shopping in over a week. There wasn't a fresh vegetable or fruit in the house. Out of milk. You get the picture. Plus, my son caught my strep throat, so we were home all day battling fever and pain. As soon as my daughter got home from school I jumped in the car for apples, milk, oranges, lettuce, cucumbers. Fresh food! But dinner? What to do? The rotisserie chicken at the deli, of course. Easy peasy dinner! Pure joy!

Day 131 - Grover

One of my kids favorite books is "The Monster At The End Of This Book" told by Grover. They love taking turns, turning the pages and finding Grover all upset because they're getting closer and closer to the end of the book. It sets them into a fit of giggles. We didn't have time for a long story tonight, or to continue the chapter book that we're currently on. So I knew just what to choose. Because Grover is joy to me and my boys!

Day 130 - Intercot

I can't believe I haven't posted this sooner...a post dealing with Walt Disney World, a place near and dear to my heart. I LOVE Walt Disney World and try to go as often as we can afford to. But with the economy the way it is and my husband in business for himself we have no future trips planned. That makes me sad. But a website I love to frequent, devoted to Disney of course, makes me happy, http://www.intercot.com/. There are discussion boards and people who ARE visiting soon or have visited recently, post questions and comments there. And then other people, like me, who aren't going any time soon but know a lot about the place can answer questions and make suggestions. I was just there and I realized living vicariously through other visits gives me a little Disney boost. And Disney ALWAYS brings me joy!

Day 129 - Western Medicine

I try to practice a more natural/alternative approach to my health. While I was raised in a Western Medicine family (immediate relatives are/were doctors and nurses) I see the value in Eastern Medicine which my husband practices. I've been suffering from allergies of late that I thought had developed into the common cold because I wasn't getting much sleep because I couldn't breathe. My husband was prescribing the proper herbs and I was staying away from dairy and sugar. But then, yesterday, it came on like gang busters. A killer sore throat. 101 temp. Aches and pains. I went to the Western Doctor today (my husband and I see great value in both modalities) and I'm cured! I was diagnosed with strep and after an IV drip of steroids and antibiotics I feel almost 100%. Critical care is one of the amazing benefits of Western Medicine. And today I was able to experience that joy!

Day 128 - Tax Day!

I know most people don't find joy in Tax Day. Last year WE sure didn't. We owed a boatload of money because our previous accountant made a few years worth of mistakes. Back taxes, fines...it added up to be more than we had. It was bad. But this year? This year we received a modest refund. This year we got everything in order in February and filed very early. Today, on tax day, we are relaxed, calm and happy. We don't owe anything. We've already filed. We're done until next year. This year, Tax Day is full of joy!

Day 127 - Fresh cut grass

Everything is getting greener here. And despite my allergies, I do enjoy spring. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. Our neighbor did their lawn this evening and I had my windows open. The scent of warmth, freshness, spring and the hint of summer wafted through my home. I love that fresh cut grass smell. I wish that could make a scented candle out of it. Because the smell of fresh cut grass brings me joy!

Day 126 - Pizza Delivery

My allergies? They make me sneeze. And sneeze. And sneeze and sneeze. And I'm all stuffed up. So I didn't sleep well last night. Of course, I had a labor intensive dinner planned for this evening. But I didn't have the energy to whip it up. Laying on the couch, trying to conserve energy - I fell asleep. And when I woke up? There wasn't time for the dinner I had planned. Hello, Pizza Delivery? Do you deliver joy in a box? Thank goodness! My hero!

Day 125 - Quiet

I like it that I've kept this little blog quiet. I like it that it's mostly just for me. I also like it that a few of you stumbled here and found me, that I'm able to provide inspiration for others. If it gains momentum on it's own, great. That would be wonderful. But mostly, I like it that I don't feel pressured to advertise, drop comments everywhere, do give-aways, etc. It's a quiet, peaceful little place for me to record joy. Just the way I like it! Joy!

Day 124 - "Cousins"

When I was growing up, we called my parent's closest friends "Aunt" and "Uncle." By default, their children, our friends, were our cousins. We've just finished our trip in Savannah with one of our dearest friends. You know - the kind where both of you (you and your spouse) actually enjoy equally both members of the other couple. We try to get together as often as we can, even vacationing one long weekend a year together. Leaving their "cousins" was so sad for our boys. They hugged and started planning the next visit. It was so sweet. And I found such joy in their "cousin" bond.

Day 123 - Azaleas

I'm visiting my most favorite place I have ever lived, Savannah. I hated moving away and I try to come back to visit as often as I can. This trip the azaleas were blooming as beautiful as I remember them. Gorgeous pinks, reds, corals and whites. Huge bushes, wild and boasting deep, rich color. I love this time of year in Savannah. And I love her wonderful azaleas. They bring such joyful beauty!

Day 122 - Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House

I used to live in Savannah. And when I first moved there I smelled such delicious smells starting at about 10am every morning. I asked my neighbors where the aroma was coming from. "Mrs. Wilkes, of course!" was the reply. Where? I asked. "Just around the corner and look for the line." No sign. Just a line of people waiting for delicious, home-style, southern cooking. She started working there in 1943 and took over, running it until she died in 2002 at age 95. She never retired. Her family runs it now and I had the pleasure of eating there again today. I moved away years ago but I try to visit every time I return because Mrs. Wilkes brings me joy!

Day 121 - The Library

I love to read. And I love to own the books I read. But I can't afford it anymore. That's one splurge I've cut back on. Our library has filled the void. And today, it's so easy to obtain the books I want. I simply go online, do a search, fill out a request for the book and they email me when it has arrived at our local branch. I can renew online. I can even pay fines online (oops!) I love our library. It brings me joy!

Day 120 - Contacts You Can Sleep In

I know that no eye doctor out there likes you sleeping in your contacts. Even the extended wear versions. And I discovered them late. But now that I have them I LOVE them. It is so nice to wear them on nights that I know we're going to be rushing in the morning. Or when we're sleeping in an unfamiliar place. Or when it's been a late night and that's one less thing I have to do to prepare for bed. Extended wear contacts bring me absolute joy!

Day 119 - Fairy Tales

I love happy endings. I love a good Disney, feel good movie. Enchanted is one of my new favorites. But ultimately, I just love a good fairy tale. Good overpowering evil. Kindness over hatred. Today we read a few of my favorites and as long as there were swords or horses, the boys enjoyed them, too. Fairy tales bring me little moments of joy!

Day 118 - My husband

The boys hurt themselves tonight, rough-housing. They cracked skulls. The sound? I thought for sure someone's head was fractured or nose was broken. I am not a nurse or a doctor. I never should be, because I'm horrible in situations like this. But my husband? Calm. Assertive. Knows exactly what to do. I screamed for him. He flew upstairs in a flash and took over. He told me what to get, what to do to help. And the boys are fine. A little shaken, but fine. Thank you for my husband. He brought relief to me and the boys - which ultimately brings me joy!

Day 117 - Work

In these rough times for many people I'm glad we're doing ok. Business is NOT what it used to be. But we're still making our bills. We have a fine roof over our heads and we can afford the occasional restaurant meal. We're happy. We're healthy. And we have work. Thank you for work because today, in these tough times, it is a joy to have.

Day 116 - Easter

I've lived away from home all of my adult life. And Easter is typically a melancholy holiday for me because I'm away from tradition and family. My husband and I have tried to create our own traditions with our kids but there's nothing like a house full of people to put you in the holiday spirit. Today we hosted our first Easter Brunch complete with a huge egg hunt for the kids. We invited friends who live far away from their extended family, too. It was a blast. So much so, that we all agreed to do it again next year. Easter Joy to all of you!

Day 115 - Basketball

I miss college basketball. I used to go to the games when I was in college. Sit in the student section. Cheer. Chant. Sing the fight song. Tonight my team plays in the final four and I can't wait. I live far away from the action now but the TV will help me feel closer to my Alma mater. I'm so excited! Go Green! A win sure would bring me some joy! (Ah well. Maybe next year. But I still found joy sitting with my boys, watching the game.)

Day 114 - My Car

I love my car. I never want a new one. And I'm going to be so sad when this one "dies." I love my old Volvo station wagon. It's over 10 years old. Has tons of miles on it and never given me a lick of trouble. Oh sure, the turn signals are a little moody lately. But never any major problems. It handles great. People can never believe how old it is when I tell them. I took a peek at the odometer today and felt a little sad. It may not last much longer. But I'm not going to think about that today. Because today I found joy in my car!

Day 113 - April Fools Day

I'm a joker. I come from a long line of jokers. My grandfather loved to tell jokes or play tricks. My father could always crack us up. Comedy and sitcoms are some of my favorite forms of entertainment. So I always enjoy April Fools Day. I don't like any of the mean tricks that can be played - just the fun, silly ones. And I love it when I have been had - by a radio program or other media. Today is going to be fun! I'm happy to play the joyful fool!