Speaking Of Family

The family member I spoke of in my post yesterday died in their sleep overnight. Instead of writing a post about them I say a few words about my family as a whole in their honor.

One of my favorite parts about my family is when we all come together for family dinners. In my lifetime, I have had the pleasure of living close to both my mother's and father's sides of the family.

Family dinner with my mother's side is crazy. Between my aunt, uncle, cousins and cousin's kids we are a large group. Seriously, everyone combined gives the Duggar's a run for their money. When I was attending college I went out to dinner with my family a lot. (Obviously I also attended a lot of family dinners as well.) Needless to say, we are a sizable group and I quickly learned that the only way you can get a word in edgewise during the conversation was to just jump in. However, that wasn't always the case. I had to learn that skill. Periodically, if there was something I wanted to say I would raise my hand and patiently wait my turn. Clearly I wasn't in school, but it was my special way of saying I wanted in on the conversation and I was going to wait as long as I needed to. I have to say it got the attention of those at the table. For all the craziness, I have a special fondness for the chaos those family dinners brought.

A side of my family that I have had many family dinners with over the course of my life is with family on my father's side. This includes all my brothers and sils, nieces and nephews and extended family. This crowd is not as large as the mentioned above. However, dinners with them are just as special. For me one of the things that stands out most from these dinners is the level of conversation. Not that the conversation at other family dinners I've attended are shabby. It's just that I find the topics of conversation at these dinners to span a great spectrum. One minute we're talking pop culture and the next religion, politics or psychology. Other times we're reminiscing about the past and making fun of one another.

These are just one of many reasons I enjoy family dinners and I am thankful to have these people in my life.

Until later . . .

Walkability

There is a web sites called "Walk Score" that will tell you how "walkable" your neighborhood is.

The mission of this site is: "The Walk Score mission is to promote walkable neighborhoods. We believe walkable neighborhoods are one of the simplest and most effective solutions to halt climate change, improve our health, and strengthen our communities."

"One of my favorite parts" of my neighborhood is its walkability. There are very few things you can't walk to in my hood. Coffee shops, restaurants, post office, library and transportation. There are even two (yes, two) yarn shops!

Today it was drizzling/raining. However, I needed to run to the post office. It had been awhile since I checked my PO Box and I feared it would be full. Even though it was wet it wasn't freezing cold so I walked. Aside from the fact that I really enjoy walking, it doesn't make sense for me not to walk - even in crappy, rainy weather.

It's exciting to think Spring and Summer are right around the corner. I will present even more chances to take advantage of the walkability this place has to offer.

Until later . . .

Thursdays

"One of my favorite parts" of the week is Thursday.

There has always been something about Thursdays. Maybe it's because some of my favorite shows air on Thursday nights. I never did the Thursday night drinking thing - even when I was in college - so I know it's not that. Regardless, I've really looked forward to Thursday the past several weeks because of these Thursday posts my friends and I publish on our blogs.

I will admit, some of mine haven't gotten written so quickly because I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. Others it was out of pure laziness. However, regardless I've enjoyed the experience thus far. Not only because of the personal challenge it has presented me, but also to see how my friends view similar topics and I get to experience their writing styles as well.

I've learned a lot about these girls over the past three weeks. (Even BFF whom I thought I knew almost everything about. Each week something new pops up.) I also find each person has a writing stlye that I hope I will learn to incorporate into mine.

I'm glad this idea was presented and that I get the opportunity to do this with such fine people. I look forward each week to hearing the topics they come up with. It feels like the best is only yet to come!

Until later . . .

"One Of My Favorite Parts"

A few months ago my coworker and I were commiserating because we both were congested and had slightly bad colds. (You know, the kind of cold that is not bad enough to keep you home, but is bad enough to be noticed.)

One morning, as we were getting our respective teas, my coworker mentioned how it was her goal to drink a lot of liquids that day. I told her I would be happy to remind her throughout the day if she wished. She told me that would be great and thanked me for offering. So, that is what I did. I reminded her throughout the day to make sure she was drinking enough liquids.

The next day when I arrived I noticed there as no cup of tea or any kind of liquid on her desk. So, when I went to get myself some tea I got one for her as well. I did this the next day also. Before I knew it, anytime we were in the office at the same time I would not only get a cup of tea for myself, but for her as well.

This has been going on for a few months now. About two weeks ago I was running late and when I opened my door sitting on my desk was a cup of tea and a cookie.

"Wow! Not only tea, but a cookie too!" I thought to myself. (Yes, it takes very little to excite me.)

When I went to thank her, my coworker thanked me for all the times I got her tea and told me we would be taking turns. She was determined to return the favor going forward (minus the cookie of course). We laughed. I then told her I was about to say, getting the cookie on the side was a nice touch, but not something I would ever expect on an on-going basis.

My coworker was off last week and upon her return today I once again got her a cup of tea to start the day. I then went into my office and proceeded to start my day. That is when she called me into her office. As stood in her doorway she said, "I want you to know you are one of my favorite parts about working here." I looked at her with confusion and amazement as she continued on. I really didn't feel I was doing anything super special. All I could say was something like, "Thank you, it's really not a big deal." Then, I went back to my office and got on with my day.

The words have ruminated with me since. (And I am sure they will for sometime.) To me, it has just been an extra cup of tea that only takes at most an extra minute to make. But to her it means a thousand times more. It's amazing when you realize that the things that seem so little to you are really huge to others.

With that said, I ask and encourage you to tell at least one person in your life that they are "one of your favorite parts." You will be amazed what a difference it can make!

Until later . . .