Breathe Deeply

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When I was heading into Boston on the subway the other day, I did my usual intense people watching. Unlike most times on the train, I couldn’t single out any one person to be more interesting than another. Perhaps my “character detector” was not as sharp as it usually was, because I was nervous.

I did notice one woman across from me who had her purse in one hand and was holding what looked to be a red plastic lunch bag in her other hand. It wasn’t she who intrigued me. It was her lunch bag.

On it were written all sorts of motivational and positive statements like “Breathe deeply,” “Life’s full of setbacks,” “Do one thing a day that scares you,” and “Friends are more important than money.” All good thoughts. That day it wasn’t people who were speaking to me; it was just a little red plastic lunch bag. And, sometimes the lunch bags are more friendly than the people!

Anyway, it’s funny how a lunch bag can come back to haunt you at another time; and hopefully, when it does, it’s not because of something you ate for lunch. Today, it was as if I carried that lunch bag all day but without the ham and cheese sandwich, cookies, chips, and Gatorade.

Breathe Deeply

I woke up this morning with a horrible cold again. I think it’s because I’ve been stressed about jobs, those potential and those not yet realized. It also could be that I’m waking up at 4:30 every morning and then not falling back to sleep. Anyway, it appeared that my stuffy nose did not lend itself to me breathing deeply anytime soon.

Life’s Full of Setbacks

I had made plans to go to the movies with my friend, Marcia, a fellow unemployed person; however, I felt rotten. It had been ages since I had been to the movies, and I really wanted to go. I debated for an hour with me, myself, and I about cancelling.

In the end, I decided that the desire to get out and see a movie was far greater than the desire to lie on the couch and watch Law & Order. (I know! I really was sick, wasn’t I?) Besides, I knew I’d get to look at George Clooney for an hour and a half. And, you know what they say? Starve a fever; feed George Clooney to your cold.

Besides the unemployment and George Clooney factors, I enjoy Marcia’s company immensely. She has been through a lot the past few years, yet she’s never shown any bitterness or anger. She is a loving Mom, she has gracefully learned from her past experiences and setbacks, and she embodies many beautiful qualities among them humor, honesty, compassion, and devotion.

Do One Thing a Day That Scares You

I wrote something that scared me today. Well, I was scared to write it. I am still not sure if it’ll see the light of day. But, I have some time to think it over.

Friends are More Important Than Money

After the movie, Marcia and I went to a café to share a pot of Earl Grey. Being unemployed stinks, but it’s kind of nice when you have friends to share it with. Seriously, half the fun of this last year has been seeing friends more than I ever would have if I had been working. And, on a Saturday afternoon (after I already cleaned the house during the week), there’s nothing quite like leisurely sitting in a café and drinking Earl Grey with a good friend after visions of George Clooney have danced in your head. ♥

P.S. If there’s no blog tomorrow, don’t worry. I’m not dead, George! I’m just lying on the couch being sick and watching Law & Order!

Oh, No, My Boy is Growing Up When It Feels Like He Was Just Five Years Old Two Minutes Ago Note: Nathan told me that he asked a girl, Kelsey, to the Junior prom. She said, “Yes!” Eeeeeeeeeek! First stop, prom, next stop, Grandmother! Okay, hopefully, it's not grandmother, but it's funny how the Junior prom can make you feel old!