the positives no.5

today, it is hard to choose the positives. 

not because they aren't there, but because the negatives feel so very big and heavy and real. 

everyday may not be good, but there's something good in every day.

1. My new job, which I never applied for. I will be the Program Coordinator for Volunteer Houston. Basically I will spend eight weeks working with Shell to implement and manage a non-profit for kids and teens. It is a really great job, I will be getting paid for a huge resume booster, and I get to work side by side with the friend who recommended me for the position.

2. A few words I've been yearning to say finally fell out of my mouth. And I'm glad. I've had trouble turning my feelings into words lately, so each step deserves a mini celebration.

3. I've officially learned every word, rhythm, and note to the "Bella's Finals" track from the Pitch Perfect sound track. Having something so complex to run to has improved my 5k time and my blow-off-steam-rock-out-car-ride-home-from-school for the last month.

4. Tomatoes. They are super cheap and delicious here in Houston. And I just so happen to make the best
bruschetta in America, to be quite vain. I toast torta-bread with butter and minced fresh garlic, add slivered tomatoes+fresh mozz+fresh basil (until I killed my dear plant) and toast again, and top with parm and balsamic. Pair it with a nice red wine and your day will improve, promise.

5. Friends who are made happy by my joy and cry with me in my grief. Your words matter, and mean more than you know.

the positives no.4

1. My pup. He's the cutest this side of the Mississippi and the loyalist a girl could ask for. His warm, dry nose and endless begging for cuddles says he's not feeling too well today, not that I'm complaining about the puppy love. He even curled his hydrophobic self up in a pile of laundry in the bathroom while I showered this morning. That's true love, guys.

2. This recipe. I made a few, very slight modifications, but this meal is perfect. Do not sub Greek yogurt for the cream. If you must lessen the fat, use milk and a double cornstarch bath. I used half milk, half half&half with a 1:1 cold water and cornstarch bath and the sauce was poetry. And beware, you may just use the whole bottle of wine just so you can dip all things savory in this magical sauce. Yum. 

3. Surprise drastic haircuts that turn out okay. When the hairdresser's first words as she trims are "oh bleeeeeeep, I always forget that step" and that step happens to be very important, it's really hard to stay in her chair for another hour instead of running away and taping your beloved locks back together. But the husband likes it and I'm beginning to come around.  

4. Direct flights to and from big cities. Bobby had to go to meet with a supplier north of Atlanta today and will still be home to snuggle me to sleep tonight. So much better than the spring break of Texas job interviews, all of which required at least one night away while I binged on SVU and wine smoothies with Amanda. 

5. The smell and utterances of new babies. I visited my new-mama friend and rocked the cooing little princess for her mid afternoon nap today. Time well spent soaking up little yawns and dreaming smiles.