Speaking of awesome, here's my seasonal list, some borrowed from Neil Pasricha, some my own:

1. Seeing the first cartons of eggnog on the store shelf.
2. Flipping channels and finding a cool movie you've wanted to see (Shrek the Third). It's almost over, and you hit "record" and it records it from the beginning!
3. Chewy Molasses Ginger cookies, warm from the oven, all gooey and soft. Almost as good as eating the dough raw!
4. Getting 99% of your holiday shopping done in one 4 hour marathon at the PX. 
5. Having my husband help with the gift wrapping.
6. Finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
7. Having a grandchild sleep over and help with the holiday decorating.
8. When the Christmas tree lights are the only lights on in the room.
9. Learning Christmas songs on the piano. 
10. Family gatherings.

AWESOME!

There's nothing like new warm-weather running gear to provide motivation to get out and run in the chilly, damp Northwest. I knew my outfit was cool, so I put forth the extra umph to my run so I'd look cool to match. I ran 5 miles and could have kept going...Now I just need a marathon to train for!  Awesome!

Too much synchronicity

Only worked 1/2 day today so I could get to the Lodge to see Hahn Bin perform. I had put my gym stuff in the car in the morning, thinking I'd already be at the lodge at 4 and it would be easy to get in the pool for some laps, but the day was beautiful--crisp clear and not too cold--perfect for a run, and I would be home in time for a good hour's workout before dark. What to do? Too many good choices!! I enjoyed the hour with Hahn Bin (extraordinary!) then headed home--for a lovely run through the fall colors. Life is good!

Come together

Donald, 1947

My dad's birthday sychronistically fell on Family Home Evening night while my mother was visiting. She and I were at Siemers, so I planned an activity to help my grandchildren get to know their great-grandfather a bit, whom they never got to meet. I had a photo (left) of him and mom and then on top of it I overlaid smaller pictures of things that would evoke a story of his life: a picture of some Dunkin Donut's coffee/treats, a man helping someone fix a flat tire, a go-cart, a stock car racer, a puppy dog, a picture of my dad as a young man (right). Each of the kids got to take off a small picture and then I or mom told a story about it. It was fun. Happy Birthday, Dad!

relatives

I went to Paige's first grade class to read stories outside on the lawn in conjunction with her teacher reading them the book, "The relatives came." When it was time to leave, I went to give Chase a hug but he shrugged away, not interested. I thought to myself, "I don't want to be the gramma who smothers her grandchildren with unwanted kisses." I gave a kiss to Paige, then went towards the parking lot. I looked back at Chase who had run down the other side of the hill and saw he was looking back at me. I waved to him and then he opened his arms wide, puckered his lips and ran towards me. I crouched down and received his big hug and a pucker kiss on the lips, grateful that he does want his gramma's hugs and kisses after all! 

different pink blankie

Took in the Jubilee semi-annual garage sale during my 4 mile run this morning. Found a few treasures, one of which was this pitcher which is almost identical to the one I inherited from my Gramma Grant which got broken recently. So now when I use it, I can still think of her, but with a new, different pitcher (actually, the owner said she got it from her great-aunt, so it IS an heirloom of probably about the same vintage....)

going "wrong"

Rich and I went to Whistler, BC for a few days. It was glorious, relaxing, gorgeous! Our mapquest direction to get there took us through the heart of downtown Vancouver, but going back, we must have missed the turning, as things started to look not familiar. By the time we realized we'd gone "wrong," we discovered that we were on a bypass to the city and were able to go through a more unused border crossing that was must speedier than the one we came through on the way up. This article reminded me of that. A reminder to go with the flow, don't sweat the small things, as they could be blessings in disguise.