16: My Lot

I seem to be falling behind a little with Blog Every Day in May, but am persevering as best I can. I realise now that I could never be someone who blogs every day - I just don't have enough to say for myself. I am enjoying the process of writing more though, and hope, if nothing else, that I can at least become a less sporadic with my posts.

Yesterday's challenge was A Day in the Life, which I'm actually quite excited to do, but am going to postpone until the weekend. It's just more fun that way - my typical weekday doesn't involve much outside of work. Plus, we're going to Toronto on Saturday, and I know there will be lots to write about!

Today, the topic is Something Difficult About Your "Lot" in Life (and how you're working to overcome it).

I'm struggling a lot with not being as independent here in Ontario as I was back home. I rely on Chad a lot, and can feel isolated at times. Unlike in Glasgow, I can't just hop on a train or bus somewhere whenever I choose...we're in the suburbs and it's not easy to get around without the car, which Chad takes to work and to baseball games 2-3 nights per week. I'm often alone at home, and driving still terrifies me.

I'm worried that if life carries on like this, I'm going to end up being one of those people who can't do anything without their partner - a sad, simpering little housewife with no life of her own. People like that really bother me, and I can't imagine anything worse.

Of course, the main problem here is confidence, so it's time to man up, one step at a time. The fear of driving  is getting a bit silly now. I have to force myself just to do it. I need a more challenging job, and I need to meet more people. I'm thinking about going to an evening class or a book club. Please let me know if you have any other ideas!

However, in the grand scheme of things I'm pretty happy with my "lot". I have a roof over my head, my health and  plenty of love in my life, which is much more than many others have. I am eternally thankful.

Source

14: The Happy List and Something I Want

Yesterday's BEDIM challenge (oops) was to write 10 Things That Make You Really Happy.

Here they are, in no particular order...

1. Dogs. I've never met a dog that I didn't like. There's something about their energy that never fails to lift my mood. Even better? A dog wearing a bandanna and/or sticking it's head out of a car window to enjoy the breeze. Pure joy.

Source

2. Friday Evening, and knowing I have two whole days to myself to do as I please. On Friday evening, I feel like the weekend will last forever and the possibilities are endless.

3. Fitting in to a smaller dress size. Because I am a girl, and it makes me feel triumphant and smug.

4. Cake. There's something very childish behind my constant craving for cake. Memories of birthday parties, my Gran's baking, and going to cafes on holiday for cake and juice come flooding back every time I bite into some. I dream of cake often, and always look at the dessert menu first.

Source

5. Taking a bath. Extra hot, brimming with bubbles, with candles, music and a cold drink. And even if I feel a little dizzy and have turned salmon pink by the end, I feel one hundred times better, and extra clean.

6. Hugs. Especially from people I love, but I'll rarely turn one down from anyone (apart from crazies). When I've had a few gins, I am a hugging machine.

7. My guy, because he's the best thing that has ever happened to me.

8. Christmas, which, even at 30, I still feel completely enamoured by. The whole month of December is one big delight to me...everything just seems better, people seem happier, and the air is filled with magic. I just love it.

Source unknown - sorry!

9. Blankets, because I am always cold and like the feeling of being wrapped up.

10. Receiving Mail, especially surprise mail. Seeing a hand-written address on a non-official (non-bill) looking envelope is just the best. And if it's a package - whether I've ordered it, or it's a surprise - well, even better! Is there anything nicer than opening a present, even if it's one that you gifted yourself?

On a similar vein, I'm currently reading The Book of Awesome, which has to be one of the most uplifting books ever. I recommend! There's a blog, too.

Yesterday's MPED was Something I Want. Obviously I didn't take the below picture myself, otherwise it would be something I have!

Yes, this and pretty much everything else from Ruche. Stripes, primary colours and a fitted waist make this perfect for me, and I wonder if, perhaps, a happy package from Ruche could be heading my way soon...

What's on your happy list?

13: A Public Apology and Sunset

Today's BEDIM topic is Public Apology, so I'll take this opportunity to say a heartfelt sorry to the poor little squirrel who ran out in front of me when I was driving a few weeks ago. Please know that if I could have slammed on my breaks without getting into an accident, I would have, and that I'd never intentionally kill another living thing. If it's any consolation, I pulled over to the side of the road and cried for a good five minutes. I hope that you're happily gathering nuts in squirrel heaven, and promise to drive as carefully as I can so this doesn't happen again.

Today's MPED is Sunrise/Sunset. This sunset picture is a bit of a cop-out, as it has appeared on the blog before, but tonight's sunset was a little lacklustre.

Happy Monday!