A brief listing of the things that made me happy or for which I am grateful this week:

1. Having a paycheck on Friday.
2. A small number of presents that the boys appreciated but didn’t need more.
3. Not too much drama at Grandma’s house on Wednesday.
4. Playing ‘Catch Phrase with Grandma and Auntie C and the boys on Wednesday.
5. Feeling perfectly OK not getting the house pristine for a holiday I wasn’t hosting.
6. The opportunity to help lead worship Wednesday night, Thursday morning and this morning. Work that makes me feel almost as authentically my whole self as conducting choirs and orchestras.
7. The Chez Journey Movie Marathon that started on Christmas Day and included: “About a Boy” “Burn After Reading” (first viewing);  “Mamma Mia!” (first viewing); “Sex and the City” “Juno” “White Christmas” “Annie Hall” (first complete viewing); and a little bit of “Mame!” Oh! and “The Godfather” (first viewing); (and yes, it is a good movie.) (but it’s still pretty icky in spots.)
8. Getting to have lunch with Sr.S today on her way through town to Des Moines.
9. Feeling good about my decision to NOT apply for a certain job. Life is too short for walking on purpose into that kind of grief. Even if it would have been a official call.
10. Playing with Libby the Wonder Poodle this weekend while the boys were gone.
11. Putting my Match.com profile back on “active” this week (finally)… and getting some emails and winks.
12. Working from home on Friday and having it be a very very easy day. Almost a PTO day.