Grace in Small Things: Super Friends Edition

Not that my friendships are a "small thing" but you know...

1.) The comfort and easy laughter of talks, emails and IM's with old friends nearly makes me spit coffee all over myself, but oh is it worth it. Might be a good thing we all don't live near each other; the amount of ditching work to watch movies and day drink would be astounding.

2.) The appearance of new friends (I say "new" but mean "within the last year") who have enriched my life and brought unexpected joy and perspective into my world. I can only hope I do a fraction of the same for each of them.

3.) The friends I have yet-to-actually-meet who exist somewhere in the bloggy world and push me to continue writing, however silly, and put it out there. That surprising support sustains me just when I think "Who cares?" and want to chuck it all.

4.) The expansion of my circle due to marriages and babies thrills me like none other, because if there's one thing I like it's a good party. And what better reason to celebrate than true love and shmoopy wee ones? Also, an open bar helps and pregnant chicks are great designated drivers.

5.) The constant reminders each of my friends give me to think about the small, beautiful things in life in the middle of chaos keep me sane and comforted when I feel overwhelmed or alone. Thank you.

Babies, Black Clothes, Bubba and Blondie

It usually takes me a week or so to get back into the swing of Chico life after a great weekend in the Bay Area. Add quality time with Lili and Juno to the mix and my post-weekend blues increase exponentially.

I was originally going to do this as a Grace in Small Things post, but there's nothing small about the amount of grace my friends and family bring to my life. So, you get some pictures instead.

Cocktail hour at The Club (say this like Thurston Howell for maximum effect). CKD threw on her pashmina since she seemed to pack only black clothing and looked like Morticia Fucking Addams. Seriously, it can't be good when your father, who owns 836 plaid button down shirts, stages a little intervention about the amount of black in your wardrobe.

Juno being hilarious. We should have cut her off after the second drink, but she was all, "DUDE! I can handle it! I'm on vacation...back down."

Holding this kid sets my ovaries to "function mode" or something. She never fusses, loves my dancing (I mean, who DOESN'T, right? But she is clearly advanced.) and even when she spit up on me she leaned over so most of it hit the floor. Where do I get one?

And speaking of the famous DeFazio Dance Moves: Evan rocks out with his toy pager. Don't ask. I think he's expecting a call from 1987 or something.

No, Dad, I DID NOT make the baby sing "All the Single Ladies" and we DID NOT do the dance routine from the video and I most certainly DID NOT swear in front of him. Why do you ask?

A few people have asked about the Blondie concert and all I can say is that the bitch kicks some ASS. I want to be like her when I grow up. And I think the entire gay population of Butte County was at the show; it was nice to meet the six of you. I wasn't great about taking pictures, and the ones I do have are just scary. CKD may have gone a little crazy with the Maybelline Superstay and may have looked a little crazy with her new dark hair, pasty-ass skin and RED lips. Just trust me on this one, OK?

He's at the Top of MY List

The other night Judy asked Evan if he understood what it meant to be thankful, and she gave him some examples of things for which she is grateful. Then she asked him what he is thankful for.

"My big boy bed. No more crib."

Pause.

"And the love in our house."

Yes, there is some serious love in this house.

Grace in Small Things

1.) Seeing that Boy Chris became a fan of "Your Mom" on Facebook and nearly spitting coffee all over my keyboard.

2.) Getting my hair did tonight - so long frumpy ponytail!

3.) A buffalo and emu scramble for breakfast.

4.) Valentine's Day plans...

5.) Bright pink shirts from Target for $3.

6.) The phrase "Fat Kids Fried Drunk Camp for Lonely Fatties" because that is fucking hysterical.

Grace in Small Things

1.) Friends who encourage my immaturity and revel in making jokes with the word "balls" in them.

2.) Hearing the phone ring, expecting it to be a telemarketer, and seeing Lili's name and number instead.

3.) Sour cream to put on my burrito (well, a burrito minus the tortilla) and tangellos in my salad.

4.) Tuesday is my Monday. Thursday is my Friday. Effin' A, Cotton. Effin' A.

5.) Coffee in the morning and string cheese in the afternoon.

Let's Give This a Try

I've seen this on a few sites I read and think it's a nice reminder that there are things - sometimes small, silly or seemingly insignificant - that can bring us happiness in the midst of chaos. It's called "Grace in Small Things" and many people list 3-5 items a day. If you can find a few each day that make you smile, it's a nice way to inject a little "serenity now" into your life without going all-out Pollyanna.

Grace in Small Things: 4

1.) Discovering friends who share your affinity for geeky pursuits (I'm looking at you, Cappa and Judi) and embarrassing junior high crushes.

2.) Healthy babies being born to my friends. Congratulations to the Kurtz, Swanes, Alvarez, and Kopscak-Yeung families!

3.) M&M's fresh from the vending machine at 10am. South Beach diet be damned!

4.) Advil.

Why I Love Dave 2: Electric Boogaloo

He always lets me have the Datebook/Style section of the paper first.

He held my hand while I cried during the flight home and acted like it was totally normal and not at all horrifying. Which it was.

He made hot dogs and potato salad so we could have picnic food even though the fires have made a picnic impossible for now.

He opened up the wine after I managed to get the corkscrew stuck.

Everyone needs a Dave.

The New Gig

The new job is actually an old one. Sort of. I will be back at Butte Community College in the Facilities Department. However, instead of front-office duties, I will assist the Director with some specific projects (energy and solar, for example) and work on conference planning with my friend Christie. It's another temporary position, which means no benefits, but it's a familiar place filled with people who are happy to see me. Right now that's sounding perfect.

I probably won't be able to start until August, which gives me some time to recuperate, make some lists and goals (short and long-term), and spend time with friends and family.

The love, support, and good wishes sent my way in the last week have meant a lot and gave me a little extra confidence as I went into the interview and I am still amazed at my good fortune.