Games and life...

I bought a new board game the other day called Loaded Questions; I love this kind of game, a game where you find out stuff about people that you didn't know and sometimes you find out surprising stuff about yourself! One of the questions was, "If you could have your last words memorialized, (printed on your tombstone or quoted for future generations) what would you want them to be? I really hadn't thought about it but I realized mine would be simple - There is no tomorrow. Make the most of today. Why did I choose this? I think recent deaths and those in my immediate family who have died quite young explain it. A 19 year olds unexpected, crushing death...a 38 year olds surprising and untimely end...tomorrow is never certain. Tell the people you love that they matter, and why, today!

Gratitude...the best medicine

I haven't written much recently because I had an accident on November 10th that really messed up my left knee. I began feeling quite melancholy about life because of the pain and inconvenience; my attitude was in serious need of adjustment by Friday last! A series of things happened that made me feel better. First, someone offered an apology and some help. Second, I spent time with my daughters and their sweet families. Third, my boss sent a note that made me think he cared about how I was feeling. Fourth, I went to church and listened to someone list what they were thankful for...ordinary everyday things, but things that are wonderful, just the same and finally I read my oldest daughter's gratitude list on her blog. All of these things started me thinking of what I am grateful for. This process has healed my rotten outlook and is helping me face future pain. Things I am thankful for: My children that I can walk again my husband my home music of all kinds beaches sunsets and sunrises stars convertibles motorcycles work teenagers books computers pictures friends chocolate pie spaghetti lobster cruises Disney Coke & Pepsi children my grand-daughters education teachers scriptures prayers life my mother hugs jokes & laughter the beauty of the earth Christmas Halloween decorations flowers sunlight

The perfect day!

Yesterday was a perfect day. I love autumn in Utah; the canyons burst with color, the temperature is perfect for driving with the top down on my convertible, school has started again and both students and teachers are excited and full of promise for a new year!
Yesterday was one of the most perfect fall days I have experienced. I decided to try a new restaurant that I had read about. It is located near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the view is stunning, the atmosphere relaxing, the food...amazing! They serve breakfast until 4pm! I ordered the mile high biscuits and gravy and some corned beef hash. I couldn't finish it all but I was in heaven! We sat out on the most charming patio ( my husband, my two sons, and I ) and just enjoyed being alive, well fed, and together!
I began to reflect on this as I drove through another canyon today, trying to grasp the last colors and warmth of autumn before it turns cold, and I came to the conclusion that I am very greedy. I want each day to be as perfect as yesterday. Maybe I grew up just a bit, because I realized today that every day can't be breathtaking, beautiful, and filled with romance or it would be so commonplace that I would fail to notice it. Maybe what I should be grateful for is one perfect day, once in a while, with people who aren't perfect but they love me and each other. That should be enough, right?