Trying to be happy

I've spent the last day and a half on crutches to rest my hip in an attempt to get the pain under control and avoid surgery. I've never needed crutches for any injury before so there has been a steep learning curve. I'm trying to remain positive in the face of difficulty by reminding myself of the good sides: my hip doesn't hurt as much as yesterday; also, this experience is good research for if/when I write a character who uses crutches.

Optimism makes me happy

I was surprised by my own optimism (or delusion?) this weekend. At writing group, someone said they'd had a bad week and things were weren't going well. One other person agreed, but myself and another girl took the optimistic attitude. Then, in a lull I thought about my week: my husband's 96-year old grandmother died, I stayed home from work because of a migraine and I was told by my physio that I was unlikely to have a pain-free hip anytime soon (more on that here). Not a stellar week overall, but still my default position was one of optimism – weird!

Happy, happy (joy, joy)

I have much to be grateful for today. Firstly, I had a great weekend visiting my Nana. She sent me home with a book, two shirts and some kitchen tools so that unpacking was as exciting as packing had been. Secondly, the day started with a bike ride mostly in the sun despite looming storm clouds. Thirdly, I got a raise at work and it will be back-dated six months to my proper anniversary/review date. Finally, blueberries were slightly less ridiculously expensive than usual so we're having them for dessert. They're the perfect, healthy end to the day. 

More happiness

The other night my husband, a friend and I went to the Ballet. It's been years since I've been to the ballet, and even then I wasn't a regular attendee. The performance of 20:21 by the Australian Ballet was really good. I'm not an expert, but I enjoyed seeing the athleticism, skill and aesthetic of the dancers and the company as a whole. The show was a good combination of classical (a Stravinsky movement) and modern (including a Twyla Tharp piece - my friend told me she was important). 

In the Upper Room, photo by Jeff Busby

Another thing that makes me happy

I walk pretty much the same route to and from work. Every day for the last week or so I've noticed more and more blossoms on the trees along the way. It means spring is coming and more things will bloom and turn green soon.

Things that make me happy

Yesterday: I saw a big golden retriever playing in a park with two Jack Russell puppies and a young pug. They were having so much fun, rolling around and gambolling together.

Photo thanks to Pixabay

Today: I stepped outside early this morning and discovered that there's a northerly wind so it's relatively warm outside. That's a nice surprise on a cloudy day in winter. 

My backyard

Much needed gratitude

Tonight I left work late because my last student came late. Then I got to the tram interchange as a tram was pulling up. A guy stepped out and stood in front of the door looking around. As I stepped around him, the driver shut the door in my face and trundled off. I was furious! I waited over five minutes for the next tram, seething the whole time.

But...

...when I got home, the house smelt delicious from the soup I'd made this morning. The cat was silly
and playful (she tried to roll over in her current favourite shoe box, which is far too small for her). To top it all off, I made a delicious margarita.