Sweet, Simple Things

I am prone to fear and trembling. The world news of late has me struggling to keep anxiety at bay. I'm not afraid of anything in particular, just the fact that the world is shaking! The sight of millions of people suffering is overwhelming. One of my coping strategies is to pay attention to the good in my life and the lives around me. With that said, following is my list of good things for today.

1. Since it's payday Friday and I had the day off, I visited a florist shop to drink in the earthy smells and pick up a bouquet of colorful tulips so we could enjoy a touch of early spring while we wait for the snow to melt.

2. I attended a Naturalization Ceremony for one of the oncologists I work with. Her country of origin is Thailand. There were 36 people from 23 countries who took the oath of American citizenship. It was truly an honor to witness. I have new respect for the priviledge and responsibility of being an American citizen.

3. I'm watching the North Dakota Class B Girl's State Basketball Tournament on TV. On another channel is March Madness with the big boys in the nation strutting their stuff. I enjoy that also, but there is nothing quite like athletic young women competing with drive and ambition. I don't have an athletic bone in my body, but I'm so thrilled with how far women's athletics have come since I was in high school.

4. It's been fun having Lenny's son, Nathan, live with us for the past several months. A full house is a happy house!

5. Temperatures above freezing for the past week. The snow bank covering my flower bed is getting smaller--soon I'll be able to see black dirt!