Ten Things of Thankful: Rain and Routine

 

A river floods a dirt road

While I was in Oregon, southern California got a lot of rain, and John sent me a video of a raging Santa Clara River, which is normally just a dry wash near us. I figured I had missed my opportunity to actually see it with water in it. Guess again! Earlier this week, we had more rain. I walked down the dirt lane and saw that the river again had water, though not as much as before. Later that same day, the river bed was empty once again. I'm glad I got to see it with water in it. It would be lovely if it always flowed, though that would require a bridge for safe egress!

1. I'm thankful for water.

Although Monday was President's Day, John still had work, so the week was fairly routine. I enjoy routine, though. It might not be exciting, but there is something comfortable about life's normal ebb and flow. The hum of the washer and dryer, the gentle (or sometimes louder!) snoring of our dog, Drexel, the quiet click of the keyboard--these are calm, comfortable sounds. 

2. I'm thankful for routine.

Although I don't have a lot of demands on my time currently, I am not prone to boredom. There are always projects to do, skills to hone, or reading to be done. I'm trying to use this year productively. 

3. I'm thankful for time.

Because we didn't bring many things with us for this move, I am learning to adapt some of my routines. In Utah, I walked regularly with a friend, and I used the treadmill to start running again. Here, I've been working out to YouTube videos. It dawned on me this week though that I don't need a treadmill to do a couch-to-5k program. I can just run in place--or pace back and forth like a zoo animal--so that's what I've been doing. (I know running outside is another option, but I hesitate to run alone, and it won't be too long before it will be too hot, and the Mojave green rattlesnakes will probably be coming out soon, too.) Anyway, I'm establishing my new routine of 3 days running, 2-3 days using exercise videos. 

4. I'm thankful for healthy habits.

The stubborn scale, which seemed to have been following  a steady "going up!" routine itself, has finally decided to start coming back down to earth. I'm doing what I can to encourage it to keep behaving. It will be a process, I'm sure, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

5. I'm thankful for hope. 

This week, I was able to take my grandchildren to a library art program. The librarian talked about the art of Alma Thomas, then the children were able to paint their own creations. I must admit I was a little wary about trying to supervise six children with paint, but it worked out so well! We were the only attendees, so we had the librarian's undivided attention and help, AND although some hands and arms did get paint on them, there were no major paint spill disasters! Although I'm sad that the event wasn't better attended, I was so relieved, and the librarian said that our family definitely brought the numbers up. 

6. I'm thankful for library programs.

7. I'm thankful the grandkids got to express their creativity, AND that the mess was contained to the library. 

John and I always have a weekly date night. Sometimes we stay in; sometimes we go out, but no matter what, we know it's date night. I wasn't sure what we were going to do yesterday, and then I received an email from a nearby town's performing arts' center, offering $10 tickets to the night's performance. After checking with John to see if he was up for an 8:00 p.m. concert (he works long hours, 6 days a week), I booked tickets.  The Black Market Trust gave an enjoyable, entertaining concert. 

8. I'm thankful for a deal.

9. I'm thankful for good music.

10. I'm thankful for John. 

How did your week go? Did you have rain and/or routine? No matter what, there are things to be thankful for, so let us know what they are! Check out the other bloggers lists on the Ten Things of Thankful blog!