Weekend recap: First off, I came to a horrifying realization, even more horrifying than the fact that Ava might be sneaking out. The master bathroom in our house has a huge tub, which basically sits in what really is a mini sunroom—some quirky ‘70’s design that now seems totally weird. It’s entirely made up of big windows and a tub big enough for 6. The toilet is down two steps and “semi” protected by a little quarter waist high wall, but only protected from one angle. When we first looked at the house (we are only renting or we’d permanently solve this problem), the first thing we asked is, “what about bathroom privacy??” They assured us that the shrubs around the bathroom windows manage to obscure most of the view during the day, coupled with reflection, you’d have a hard time seeing anyone with their pants down (plus the backyard is completely private and gated.)
So it’s Friday night, it’s late…I’m sitting on the potty contemplating tampon brands and the fact I need more panty liners, and in the next second wondering if I need to check on Ava again but then it hits me. Oh crap. When I look out the window I don’t see anything except my reflection—ANYone could be out there, looking in. It would be my luck that Ava and cohorts sneak out, or someone else sneaks in (insert teen boy(s)) and actually SEES me on the toilet (which at night has to be clear as day), then snaps a picture and posts it on instagram, #grosspottymom, and it goes viral. So now, in addition to having to worry about Ava sneaking out, I have to worry about going pee any time after dark.
Other than the above new reason to obsess, I had a very productive weekend, which included dinner at a friends’ house. Five years ago it would have made me feel inadequate, but now just makes me feel happy I’m not so insane anymore. She’s the über Martha Stewart, homesteader, domestic artisan; i.e. I make my own bread, have no trash because I recycle everything, actually had time to do a homemade dessert and an all day bolognese sauce, AND make a game for the kids. I mean really, who is this woman? Her kids are quite young, 7 and 5. She’s manic with overachievement still, and absolutely darling, and I think 5-7 years ago I definitely would have felt the pang of jealousy (because I was definitely more competitive), but I swaggered in with only a bottle of champagne. I didn’t even bring anything else--NOTHING! Totally not like me, but also super liberating to just let someone in over achiever mode go for it. I lavished her with the praise she deserved, and enjoyed the fruits of her labor while simultaneously feeling really happy that I was fine with knowing my limits. My limits right now might include making bread, OR making dessert, OR doing a craft for the kids, but definitely not all three, and definitely not all on the same day. I absolutely loved my two glasses of champagne, and was joyful that there are over-achieving domestic goddesses who want to invite me over. A toast to you, and a toast to taking a break sometimes too!
There’s only two more days of February, so I’m contemplating my February and thinking about March. It was personally really good for me to think about little ways to make myself and other people happy this month. The little prompts were just that—little—but for some reason it really helped me just tweak my attitude a bit overall. It’s been a good month. We’ve got some great ideas about March’s focus that we’ll fill you in on tomorrow.
Today’s joy goal is to let someone’s manager know if they are doing a good job. I can’t remember the last time I’ve done it, but I know when I do I feel good recognizing someone else’s hard work, and I know it must make them happy too. So it doesn’t really matter whom, but pay attention today to all the people you come in contact with. Barista, yoga instructor, front office manager at school, a valet, the clerk at the grocery store…..whoever, just pick someone who did their job well, and give them a boost by letting there manager/boss know.
We are grateful to all of you who were on board with our mission this month and contributed your wonderful kindnesses and efforts to our Love-Fest month.. Our friends and family, our peeps, you guys make what we do, and every day, so much more wonderful (and even on our not so wonderful days you make it tolerable by just being there.) We thought a "Friends & Family" event seemed appropriate to close the month with since we really are so joyful to call you that.
Signed, ME {lv}
ps get excited, MOL ships today and we are going to have the best Wednesday EVER...check out this lovely mixed knit sweater in a heavenly sky blue!
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