Grrrrrrreat!

It's been a challenging week. I would do better to accept that, circumstances as they are, ALL weeks are going to be tough weeks, at least until June. Yet I start each Monday with renewed hope. Still, this week was a challenge. It hasn't been until today that I've been able to recognize some "greats," too:

1. Happy Feet. This movie is phenomenal. Incredible soundtrack. Laugh-out-loud funny....over and over again. Great characters. Great cast. We were able to see it at the IMAX which, I'm sure, doubly enhanced our viewing experience. Nevertheless, I'll be buying this one when it comes out on DVD. How great that Kevin and I were able to enjoy such an awesome movie together?

2. My team teacher (and partner in crime) and I had reached our breaking point on Friday. We both felt run into the ground, beaten, and out of options. So we laughed. And laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed until we were crying. Thank God I have somebody to face these challenges with. Without her, I don't know how I would get through each week. Another teacher laughingly told us that we were "two peas in a pod." When things changed so suddenly at the beginning of the school year, I was fearful of who I would be teaming with. How great that things worked out so well.

3. My dad, who has a complete camera aversion and who for years has refused to be in any pictures at all, was out shopping with my mom at a local wine store when he was approached by a newspaper writer from the town paper. The journalist interviewed him about holiday shopping and then the photographer took a whole series of photos! With his permission! My mom has told everybody she knows to call and harass him. So I did, much to his chagrin. How great that we have a family that can tease each other and live to laugh about it.

4. Yesterday I came home and found my sailor had left a card propped against my pillow. A "just because card" that came with an intent to buy flowers, "but the florist was closed by the time I got there." He thanked me for being so supportive of his own challenges. Me? Supportive? Ironically, I don't feel I was supportive at all this week. I had been sick since last Saturday and only just today have I gone without medicine. I've been tired. I've worked long hours. I've had problems at work. Kevin has made dinner, run hot baths for me, put me to bed. And I've been supportive. My response was, "If I was supportive this week without even trying, imagine what I can do when I am trying!" He laughed. How great that I have somebody who spoils me and how great that he feels supported, even when I'm only doing little things.

5. At the end of the work day yesterday, one of my coworkers from last year, a new mom, brought in her 3 month old baby girl to visit for the first time. I was able to hold Elizabeth, who promptly fell asleep on shoulder. So I got to hold her, sway, and chat, for the next 45 minutes. Maternal instinct says, "Ohhhhh, I could do this forever." Realism says, "I'm so glad I can still sleep in till 10am on weekends." Realism aside, there is nothing greater than having a 3 month old burrow into you. They are soft and warm and so dependent.

6. The radio stations are all playing holiday tunes, my Christmas shopping, at least the big items, is just about finished, holiday specials are on tv..and the temperature dropped from 80 degrees yesterday to 50 degrees today. Much more seasonal. How great this season is!