It’s been a long day and my honey nut O’s are awaiting me. I’ve promised myself that I will enjoy a bowl splashed with unsweetened almond milk as a reward once I’ve written this evening’s blog. It has been another one of those days–tiring, running from one meeting into another with scarcely enough time to shift mental gears, check emails, and try to squeeze in some real work. It isn’t that the meetings weren’t important–though some were less so than others–it’s simply that I have so many irons poking into so many different fires that I scarcely know which one to pick up next. As I look around me there are so many things that need to be done: important valuable work that will benefit a number of people in a variety of ways. My task is figuring out how to get all the plates spinning and keep them from falling and smashing into the floor while adding new ones. It’s tiring work!
I was grateful when the last meeting had ended, though frustrated because I knew I couldn’t get in any more work before it would be time to head home–and Google maps (which I consult daily to determine the best time to head out to reduce the commute) was already telling me it was going to be one hour and 16 minutes. I sighed as I climbed into my car, listening to the traffic report (on the 8’s) and getting my audiobook cued up. There’s a particularly snarly patch of the drive where it takes about 45 minutes to go about 3 miles or so. This evening it seemed as though the bridge was one long streak of red taillights snaking down the hill. In the end it took one hour and 4o minutes to get home, where I was greeted by my four-legged Valentine, who is always happy to see me (and I mean always.)
I am grateful this evening for many simple gratitude kinds of things: from the big ones like beloved family and friends, good coworkers and important (if tiring) work, a safe commute home as I drive among thousands (tens of thousands) of cars each day. (I must confess that I long for the days when I won’t have to check the traffic on the 8s before determining when and where I will drive…) I’m grateful for my guitars and the gift of music that I’m blessed with–the ability to play, sing and entertain myself, as well as share my songs with others from time to time is blessing. I don’t play nearly enough, though I hope to rectify this in the days ahead.
I am grateful for the food I have in my fridge and cabinets. I have had my share of financial struggles, but rarely have I not had sufficient food and on those occasions when I didn’t have enough to eat, I knew it was only for a day or two. I am grateful for the a roof over my head and heat that warms my house. I think about the people affected by hurricanes and blizzards for whom that is no longer true and for the “displaced people” who haven’t had a home and have been living out in the elements. I try to be mindful of these many blessings and not to take anything for granted, though I know I will in spite of myself. Mostly at the moment, I am grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to contribute how and where I can to the good of the planet in some way or another. And with that, I think it’s time for my honey nut o’s.
