#365Gratitude Day 252: Lonely vs Alone

So Missy's been out of town since Sunday.  I was prepared for being alone to suck somewhat.

Yesterday I went to work, and had a frustrating morning, of making little headway on a project.  I decided to stay a little later, because I was coming home to just the cats anyhow, and they don't seem to clock watch me much.

The office was much quieter, and I was able to find the concentration I needed.  Suddenly, I got something to work that I hadn't been able to all day amidst the chatter and buzz of my other coworkers.

Then on my way home, I decided to stop for dinner.  I tried a Korean chicken place I've been meaning to forever.  

It was fantastic!  While I ate dinner, I got some text messages from Missy, and we talked back and forth about our days.

I came home, fiddled on the computer for a bit, and soon after got the "it's time for bed" text messages from Missy, who sent me to diaper myself and hit the sack.  (Poor sack!) 

As I drifted off to sleep, it struck me how my day really turned around when my expectations for it changed.  I turned a lonely day into an alone day.  They're very different things.

It felt good.

#365Gratitude Day 251: Still Close

Monday morning Missy was still on east coast time.  I'm always an early riser so I was up anyhow. ​

We got to FaceTime for a good long while about her trip, my plans for the day with Michael & Maya, who were visiting, and just little somethings and nothings. ​

It was sweet, romantic and connecting.  No matter where she is, we're always close.

I love her. 

#365Gratitude Day 250: 2 pound grace

Missy left for a trip to Seattle & Forks Sunday. She's got two big suitcases with her. 

There's a 50 pound limit on suitcases, but as it turns out they allow you a 2 pound grace. 

What a nice little thing to find out! 

#365Gratitude Day 249: Zen there was a new one

I've been a fan of Zen Pencils forever. I love these brilliant comics which illustrate quotes and essays about mindful living.  

Here's a panel from a favorite of mine, a quote from Amy Poehler.  

I thought there was nothing quite like them.  

Which is true, but I recently discovered another artist with a similar idea, Buddha Doodles.  

Besides just being really fun to say out loud, Buddha Doodles are somewhat different from their zen cousin. The art's a little softer, and the quotes shorter.  

But they're equally wonderful.  

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer

#365Gratitude Day 248: Chairful Company

Yesterday I was grateful for this soon-not-to-be-empty chair.  

That's because the person about to be sitting in it was my friend Natasha.  

On a fairly regular basis, Tasha and I get together for lunch. We work close by one another, so sometimes weekly, sometimes less we meet.  

Its always nice. She's one of my best friends. We're both techies, both kinky, both ageplayers.  

She's my people. I love her.

At lunch we often discuss various goings-on in our jobs and our lives in general.  It's a very comforting, positive, support-giving sort of experience. 

I'm lucky I get to do it as often as I do.