At the end of 2017, I decided that counting my blessing or pausing to take stock got a little old, and perhaps readers felt the whole concept was a bit overdone, or even braggadocio. So for 3½ months, I kept quiet,  silently taking stock and spending time to be gracious on my own.  But…

I missed you.

Plus, I had a thyroidectomy almost three weeks ago.  The surgery went well, but I had a horrible allergic reaction to something.  I swelled to the tune of 10 pounds, my feet and hands became numb, and everything below the incision line itched beyond description.  It’s time to remind myself, in writing, that all is not bad.

So I’m back in the gratitude saddle, and sharing the little things that make me stop and say ‘life is good.’

Here in no particular order are 10 things that make me smile this week:

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Cardinals singing mating songs, which remind me that spring is here despite the temperature hovering around the freezing mark.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  An repeat invitation to Grand Blanc Public Library for a meet the local author event.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A primary care provider who told me what to do about an allergic reaction and why it works. (One OTC Allegra + one Pepcid AC; the Pepcid is a histamine blocker.) The swelling is down.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  My neck is so much more flexible.  I didn’t even realize that I had lost flexibility and swallowing had become difficult because of the size of the thyroid.  Now I can check by blindside without turning my body.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Friends and family who send me good wishes. Particularly Mom who commiserated long-distance, remembering another time this happened, and shedding a tear for me.  And my sister, Julie, who texts me her own remedies.  And Loved One who faithfully puts lotion on my back without complaint.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Daffodils pushing detritus to the side to announce the promise of warmer weather.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A book conference where I learned a few things, met new friends, and reconnected with old friends.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Whole 30 diet plan. I was a bit skeptical, but I feel great.  My daughter lost 20 pounds, My son lost 12, Loved One lost 6, I lost 0. The important thing is I feel great.  Well, except for 95% of me itches.

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A new book to read by an old friend, I LIKE YOU JUST FINE WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND, by Ann Garvin.  Ann has a wonderful sense of humor.  Her novel is deals with family, dementia, and romance with care, affection, and humor.

 

[icon name=”smile-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  New growth everywhere, inside and out. (I think I’ll have a whole new body by the time my over-reactive skin stops shedding.)

Oh wait, one more thing.. It would be braggadocio if it weren’t such a fluke:  I’m in second place in my basketball brackets going into the Sweet Sixteen.   I did do a little research on potential upsets.  Still, I watch very few sporting events, so it’s more stupid luck than anything.  You know what they say, “a broken clock is right twice a day.”