Day 86
Random number is 244
Research where there are Rembrandts
I’ve been to NYC and DC and Chicago and St Louis and Amsterdam. I need to get to Boston, LA, The Hague, The Louvre, and many places in Germany.
it is remarkable there does not seem to be a definitive list.
I had bad dream that we were in a car accident. I was going too fast on a curved entrance to highway and hit the wall on driver side. I apologized to you as it happened. I just realized the airbags never went off.
We were ok and walking around after. And as dreams do, the site of the accident was still against a wall with a tree nearby… but shifted to the entrance of a sporting goods store. So I took photos of the scene ‘cause it was amusing seeing exercise bikes and volleyballs on shelves near our busted-up Subaru.
Day 85
I am home sick today but can’t sleep yet. So thought I’d knock of a few easy ones. Small Joys. Never argue with motivation. I’d had motivation for more… but snot and fatigue won.
Random number: 89
Research body scan options, schedule if possible
I forget where I read about this idea; probably Mackenzie the PI on Instagram. Researched it, and no, I’m not doing extra tests. I am happy not to do extra and pay extra for unnecessary things.
Random number 87
Fix default spellings in phone
I haven’t found where to fix saved spellings, but I did get rid of slide to type and predictive text, and my typing is so much smoother now. This is bringing me much joy today.
Random number 92
delete 10 tasks from To Do list
I deleted more than 10! Some were duplicates, a few had been done, and several will never be done. I put a bunch of stuff in Someday, which at least hides it. I should make a note to review Someday occasionally. At least the master list looks less cluttered.
Random number 413
Look up an event at Yesteryear Village
Apparently… not much happens there. The fair is wrapping up this weekend. And then there’s only a few things, and only the Halloween party looks mildly interesting. Meh. Well, at least it’s done, and if not joy, I have the satisfaction of knowing we aren’t missing anything.
Day 84
Random number: 251
Print Lisa woodruff mini medical info
Some items on this Small Joy list are just tiny tasks with no deadline that had been hanging on my master to do list for ages. Little things that weren’t urgent so they were languishing and bothering me but not enough to do them. This is one of those.
So the joy is I *finally* printed this free give-away I was sent two years ago. Maybe I’ll even fill it out some day too… I’ll make sure to put with medical papers so at least it’s available and no longer lost in my downloads.
Day 83
Random number: 53
Light a candle
I have been trying to use candles more often in past few years; no need to save for special occasions. And I always like lighting them when it’s chilly in the house. So it was a good joy today. 
Day 82
Random number: 8
Weed, sort Pinterest for 15 minutes
This was my task for Saturday during Flamingocon. I was supposed to work a boring shift at front desk… but ended up playing games and schmoozing and not being bored. So did this in bed on Sunday morning. Feels good to get rid of a lot of digital clutter.
some links to use: British TV to watch
filling up advent calendar ideas
I deleted entire sections that don’t serve me. Curated my gift wish list. I’m avoiding tackling all the holiday/craft/recipe sections. 😆
Day 81
Random Number: 358
Consider your bookmarks — internet browser clean up or make progress in a book!
I must’ve gotten the wording of this from Electra (the woman who started the Small Joys idea). I kept it simple and am focusing on reading. Making progress — moving the bookmark — in the Matt Haig book The Life Impossible. 
I am going to NYC end of April.
I have started to plan a trip for me and Sean to Maine and Halifax. Not sure how much of it we will do.
And then today I discovered Frontier Airline's All-You-Can-Fly deal called GoWild. Sean isn't as keen on it. It requires flexibility. But let's see. I could visit:
From West Palm Beach:
From Orlando (I could take Brightline up there):
From Tampa:
Day 79
Random number 148
Reach out to someone
I messaged Kristi B in Ann Arbor, a sorority sister, who I worry about.
I reached out to AnnaMarie P, a gaming friend in PNW who I’ve never met, who’s had major health issues. I realized she hadn’t posted on FB since December. After she responded, I realized she has been on Blue Sky, so turns out she is doing ok after all.
I reached to Jen L from Tax Twitter, who’s displaced due to the fires in LA. She’s doing better than some but I still wanted her to know I was thinking of her.
I reached out to Monica about doing a labyrinth. I will go anyway even if I do not hear from her.
I reached out to Deb T whose eye isn’t healing as fast as hoped. I’ll see her Saturday and give her a little potion of healing.
Maybe I’ll paint these little wooden potion tokens tonight, and mail one to AnnaMaria too. She’d sent me some earring hooks last month, and as a gamer, she’ll appreciate the gesture.
Day 80
Random number 421
Decorate and give away mini potions of healing
see above.
I don’t know if it’s start of tax season, or just January busy-ness or depression over the leaders of this country — probably all three — but I haven’t felt like doing Small Joys. Maybe part of the problem is I picked a bunch for our trip to Vegas and then didn’t do them and I’ve been trying to squeeze them in this post-vacation week, and they have ended up feeling like chores not joys.
So I will get back to it later. I need fewer assigned tasks. Trying to clear the To do list.
I’m bummed today because I’m working at a place that now has Fox News on in the lobby. Why did I stay. I’ll tell them why I’m leaving in May: Fox News shows their values.
Also it’s cold and *wet.*. And I haven’t been sleeping enough. Maybe I should let rest of today's To Do list go, and head to bed and watch Bones.
I’ve gathered my postcards to one spot. I think I’ll start writing postcards with silly comments instead of on social media.
But for now, violin, fold laundry, watch Bones. And screens off at 10. A good night’s sleep will help.
EDITED TO ADD: I let go the Small Joys I hadn’t done yet. Then found one I had inadvertently done and thought of a new one for tonight. Spontaneity helps a little. I’m back!
Day 78
Random number 37
Call an aunt
I had been meaning to call Aunt Sarah for awhile. So this prompted me. She’s still living on her own, with someone in her basement apartment. She said she has trouble with names; it took her a bit to remember who I am. I double-checked her address as the Christmas card that I sent her got returned. And I caught her up that Nora is getting married.
Going to celebrate Imbolc on Feb 1 with candies and homemade bread and a walk outside at dusk.
Guess who is thinking of hosting a Regency style birthday party for Jane Austen?
Me of course.
Here is a recipe for shrub, which is pretty much rum and oj! And then a bunch of other stuff too.
And an easy custard as per Cassandra Austen. Hmmm!
Day 77
Random number: 250
Rediscover your favorite music that really lifts your spirits
Apple Music did well by me. I hit Chill Music for Cindy. It started with a song I’d never heard from Mark Knopfler. It’s always a good day when I get to hear Mark Knopfler.
BONUS SMALL JOY
Did this today, then later saw it was on the SJ list.
Number: 392
Hang metal letters in office, put magnets there
So happy to have this done. Gets the letters off the floor. And gives me a place for excess magnets.
Getting home office ready for tax season and well, just for life too. I bought a new riser for the monitors and Sean helped me build them. Now I have two screens at a good height.
Sean re-hung my white board where I can reach it easier. I set up a pencil sharpener and a bluetooth speaker. Most importantly, I left space for the cat on the desk, near the window because it is inevitable. And I have chapstick and cuticle oil nearby!
I set up a card table for all my non-work stuff. It is currently piked high with papers and shit. Been going through some of that today, lots to toss out! This will be for crafts and letter writing. I have a lamp with a magnifying glass even. So excited.
I still have loads of art and frames and photos stuff piled up on opposite wall. But I hung up my metal HOME letters I bought a couple years ago to hold souvenir magnets. And hung up some of the art made for me by friends for my birthday -- 10 months ago.
And most importantly, Sean hung up my hook for my violin and bow, and I have space for my music stand. No excuses for not practicing. In fact, I intend to take work breaks during tax season to play.
Edited to add: Yesterday I threw out two office trash cans full of paper, found two items for goodwill, put some other stuff away properly, re-positioned lamps, hung more stuff on wall. Best shape this room has been in in … ever.
Today I ordered a new printer and a rolling printer stand to stow under my desk/table.
catching up…
Day 75
Random number 391
Send a postcard to a gamer
wrote out a Las Vegas postcard with sparkles to Kathy Sheets. It’s stamped… but not addressed nor mailed yet.
Day 76
Random number 285
Write a prayer
Looked up some tips. There’s even a WikiHow.
Dear God:
Thank you for my health and modern medicine that has kept me here with my children, with Sean, with my friends. Thank you for the abundance that I’ve enjoyed.
I seek guidance and support to deal with the chaotic and even evil leaders in our world. Give me strength, calm and compassion to survive and even contribute to the world over the next four years or more. Keep my heart soft, my mind positive, my motivation good, my spirit strong.
Thank you universal one. Thank you greater spirit that unites us and sees progress even when it’s briefly dark. Thank you for holding me safe.
Amen
1. Flying back east from Vegas takes up the whole day because of time change and just exhaustion from flying. Taking red eye from Vegas also wastes the following day… but I have wasted it cuddled up in my own bed with cat & dog. Worth it.
2. I spent so little time on social media this past week. It was fantastic. Hanging out with friends, seeing sights and shows, getting into altered states, walking and walking, enjoying the weather, sleeping well… much much better than doom scrolling.
Now to manage that better in regular life.
3. "Caring about everything is a disaster.
Caring about nothing is also a disaster.
Nurture the small pocket of things that truly matter to you." — James Clear
Ah, must also work on this. Care about the important things, the things I can control/affect, that directly benefit me and those I love. The rest is noise and a waste of time.
4. So Delta demoted our seats from Comfort Plus to regular economy on one flight back because they changed to a plane with fewer Comfort Plus seats. Fine. But then *I* have to apply to get a refund for the difference, an application that requires looking up all sorts of ticket numbers and flight numbers. And then I wait a week to see if it’s approved. WTH? They changed things, but I have to do the work? Not impressed.
5. Get yourself good friends to travel with. It takes time to find your tribe and to build trust and understanding. But it’s worth the effort. I am very lucky.
6. It’s ok if I didn’t get photos of everything. It was a lot. And experiencing things is enough.
7. Plan your vacations that you are sure you’ll hit the definite things you want to do, esp if they require tickets or reservations. But leave free space in schedule to relax or to wing it and to stumble on unexpected delights, like a trip to Hoover Dam and Arizona or a performance by the big band Vegas Jazz Orchestra.
8. Always bring chapstick to Vegas or anywhere west.
Day 74
Random number: 9
Don't sweat the small stuff
Our journey to Vegas had lots of small stuff slow us down on Sunday Jan 12. But we all stayed flexible and had a laugh and didn’t get uptight. So definitely lived up to this Small Joy.
Not built by Feds, not supported by Feds, but has become a little like our Westminster Abbey. State funerals are held here.
National Cathedral, an episcopal cathedral
Trip is nearly over. I didn’t journal as planned but this summary should do.
This is our final schedule, tweaked for changes
SUNDAY 1/12
Monday 1/13 — high of 51°!
TUESDAY 1/14
WEDNESDAY 1/15
THURSDAY 1/16
Lyrics of “Alright ok you win” written by Syd Wyche, now a jazz standard
We stumbled into a show by Jazz Vegas Orchestra
Sunday 1/12/25
We got provisions of gummies and wine and bourbon and water and popcorn.
We got ourselves monorail tickets for 4 days.
We took the monorail to MGM station then took a wrong turn which turned into a long walk around a big parking garage. Once we got out, we headed in right direction, and got to NoMad Library restaurant at the MGM casino. It was delightful — the entrance was through a heavy curtain. The room was fantastic. The food was very good… but not mind blowing. The service was fine, but a bit slow at times. We are spoiled by Buccan.
We all agreed we were too tired for drinks after. We had a less dramatic walk back to the monorail and got home safely. Tucked into bed by 10 pm… but it was 1 am in our heads on a day that started at 4:30 am.
We all got to airport by 5:45 am. Plane took off ok, but arrival included an extra 30 or so minutes waiting for a gate. Not a problem since our next flight was delayed, ultimately, an hour. We all boarded quickly and efficiently… to sit on ground another 45 minutes (so far) waiting to take off.
I’ve finished my magazine. I can’t seem to get on the WiFi. I’ve started reading a novel. But after posting this (or saving to drafts), I’ll try my audio book again… it cut off after awhile on the flight to Atlanta.
….
here are 2 Blue Sky posts so far:
“On the one hand, Vegas. So many shows and attractions and oddities.
On the other hand, six good friends, booze, legal weed, board games and a suite with a living room.
It’s gonna be a struggle every day.”
“Sitting in plane on ground in Atlanta, waiting waiting waiting for turn to take off.
Meanwhile, through modern tech, I’m watching son’s driving lesson back home 500 miles away via app, as he moves around the map.”
…
We are in Vegas. 2 1/2 hours later than planned. Now the scramble out of plane. I’m sooooo thirsty. my post is having trouble updating, harumph.
…
THEN the door to the cargo hold was busted somehow, they had trouble getting the luggage out, so another wait. At least we were in the airport and could walk around.
Then we took two Ubers to the hotel. Scott’s uber went to the wrong entrance so they had to walk around to get to the Hilton Grand Vacation side. The timeshare people tried to get me to sign up for “just a one hour” presentation; hard NO.
But we arrived!
Day 73
Random number: 93
Eat an apple
I usually go for Granny Smiths, but here’s a Honey Crisp, or what’s left of it, along with Fluffy Peanut Butter dip. Fantastic snack! Definitely a joy to eat.
the dip recipe from Pampered Chef
The fires in LA have brought back strong memories to me.
In 1975, we lived in northern Virginia, right outside of Washington DC. On the night of February 2, our house caught fire.
I was 7, and asleep when the fire started. My parents got me, our dog (a huskie named Joe), a roommate, and themselves out. And left the cats to fend for themselves (out of panic and urgency, not neglect; cats hide 😢). One of three cats got out.
There was snow on the ground. It was Groundhogs Day.
It was a Monday, because my parents mentioned in stories later that they were watching MASH in the living room with the fireplace… when they noticed the wall above the fireplace was glowing. They realized the house was on fire inside the walls. It was later determined fire leaked out of a flaw in the chimney design. Note: the house was more than 50 years old at the time, so that flaw had held for quite awhile.
The house was an old farmhouse that was on 4 acres, now surrounded by suburban developments. There was an old chicken coop on the property that had been converted into a cottage. My parents, their friend (who was barefoot through all this), the dog and I huddled in the cottage as the fire engines arrived. The big furry huskie laid down on the roommate’s cold feet.
The first fire engine got stuck in the narrow curving drive way and my mother yelled at them to drive over the flowerbeds. The firemen did a good quick job, and only the central section of the house burned, around the fireplace. My bedroom and my parents bedroom were spared fire, though had smoke and water damage. Their friend who lived with us, his room was destroyed. His cat and one of our cats died of smoke inhalation.
I don’t remember a lot beyond that. Some I remember because my parents told the story of that night many times. We went to a motel that night I believe. And then my mother found a school friend for me to stay with the next week while my parents figured out what to do, where we’d live, etc.
That week, staying with this new family with multiple kids, I tried sweet potatoes for the first time, and learned to cross myself like a Catholic at dinner prayer. I don’t remember the classmate’s name now. We hadn’t been super close. I assume the parents offered to help when they heard what happened, and they had space for me in one of those nearby housing developments.
My parents miraculously had bought renters insurance for the first time ever a few months earlier. Much of what we lost or had damaged was able to be replaced or repaired.
The owners of the house let us live rent free in that cottage on the property. My parents and I were doing Tiny House living before it was cool! I slept in the loft, they slept on the pull-out sofa. The bathroom and kitchen shared one sink. It was an adventure, while we watched the house get repaired for six months. This was how I lived during the second half of second grade.
Some of my books survived, and were slightly tinged grey from smoke damage. I still have one of them. Everything smelled deeply of woodsmoke for months. I lost my baby blanket and my favorite teddy bear because they couldn’t get cleaned enough.
The 49th anniversary of that fire is in a few weeks. It was a traumatic and memorable night.
And we were so lucky, we only lost two cats and some of our belongings. We had people help us, and soon a new (tiny) place to live. It was briefly traumatic, and later mostly a big story to tell.
It all pales in comparison to what these people are going through in the LA area. A classmate can’t help you out if the classmates’ houses are all burned too. There are no little cottages to awkwardly squeeze into for a few months. To lose your whole house — not just a part — and your community… that’s traumatic. My heart breaks for everyone in the LA area.
I still remember that smoke smell, 49 years later. It gets into everything.
Dressed for a chilly morning in South Florida. Sean thinks this is what I’d look like all the time if we lived up north.
Day 71
Random number: 127
Go to online art exhibit
With the Getty museum in LA in the news because of nearby fires, I’ve decided to “visit” the Getty online.
But first I’ve got distracted into a BBC documentary about the family. Never knew Getty Images is same family — started by a grandson of J Paul Getty.
I've learned there’s two campuses — the original building is now Getty Villa. The museum and lots of other stuff is the newer (1997) buildings.
Ok, seriously how can I call myself a Rembrandt enthusiast and not know there are multiple Rembrandts at the Getty. Plus a pretty Irises from Van Gogh. And lots of decorative items and antiquities. Now I must find other reasons to go to LA.
Day 71.5
Random number 164
put on lotion
Apparently I forgot to document doing this one. Such a simple and easy joy. I did it. I enjoyed it. Now it’s on this list. I don’t want to renumber everything, so this is squeezed in here.
Group in-house training for three offices, so via zoom. Moderator-partner has made “jokes” about firing when introducing new staff, and then introduces the trainer-partner explaining they couldn’t find anyone better.
🙄
And now, am hour in, he referred to the staff in the room where training is being held as “losers.”
Jokingly. Of course. 🙄
Everyone jokes about tolerating this guy. Hahaha. 😐
I’ll list him as one of the top reasons I leave.
Gonna free up time and head space for:
Learned this fluffy peanut butter dip at first Pampered Chef party I ever went to. Still love it.
Day 70
Random number: 153
Wear something that invokes good memories
So much to choose from. I considered one of Papa’s sweaters, but went with green cashmere one that my mother in law gave me long ago — my first cashmere sweater!
And a favorite gray shirt that I don’t have specific memory associated with it, but it’s always looked good.
Wore a gold bangle bracelet Sean gave me years ago — one of my fave gifts del buon. And I am wearing a purple ring that my Ellie gave me, and a green bead stretch ring that was supposed to be a “throwaway” gift at a quinceañera… but now the girl is 20…
I am wearing earrings I bought in Key West approximately 1992, maybe? They were a “big splurge”, now I wonder, were they even $20? I don’t wear these enough. But I do have silver earrings from Key West that Sean bought me in our 25th wedding anniversary.
To make this Small Joy post more meaningful, I feel I oughta write a lovely story of the memory associated with one piece. But I’m feeling a bit off and am going to bed early.
Self care:
Day 69
Random number: 55
Dance to a song
Danced with Sean and Peter to Animotion’s “Obsession”, Madonna’s “Lucky Star”, Sophie & Giant’s “Hypnotized”, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” Now sitting and listening to Eurythmics and Florence + the Machine. Feels good to move. Must do more of this! 
I’ve learned about lemon pigs, and then we had to make our own. Lemon, whole cloves for eyes, toothpicks for legs, aluminum foil for a tail. And a quarter in the mouth. Supposed to absorb our bad luck this year. And we burn it in a fire at year end.
it was good giggly fun to make. We’ll see how long it lasts!
Day 68
Random number: 401
Create travel drawer
I had started to store a few things in my suitcase so it was always available, but this article in life hacker, that inspired this SJ, mentions sometimes you need different things for different trips. And I have a couple spare drawers in my dresser. So I took the chargers and baggies from the suitcase. And I’ve added travel pajamas, nail files, bandaids, an eyeglass cloth, and other stuff that it’d be nice to have with me when traveling.
I will test this out next week with a trip to Las Vegas! I am sure I can improve on it over time. Definitely want some basic meds to go with band aids.
Day 67
Random number: 378
Enjoy washing your hands, remember what they do for you
Accomplished. Washed my hands extra thoroughly and appreciated them on Thursday (when I got a manicure). And again extra thoroughly with appreciation on Saturday.
Nothing profound came up. Just an appreciation for all my hands do.
Day 66
Random number: 149
Give the benefit of the doubt
I decided this meant I wouldn’t jump to conclusions that people at work hate me. And that I’d be patient with my mother in law. But I never encountered a moment where either stressed me out. Did I do the thing without being conscious of doing the thing?
Well, it did remind me to have a positive attitude.
Can I freeze butternut squash soup: yes
Can I freeze cooked pasta? Yes
Lipstick tatto? Hmmmm, I am intrigued. Turns out it’s semi-permanent
Lemon pigs at New Years — it’s a thing now, and we’re gonna make one
Cupra Leon is a German/Spanish hybrid engine car sold in Australia and other places, but not US.
New Years lemon pig? This seems fun.
The first article I saw said they’d kept theirs from last year and it dried up but didn’t rot. They may not live in Florida!
I don’t want to buy a jar of whole cloves just for this though…
Day 65
Random number: 10
Read horoscope for the year
How funny to get this one in first of the year!
It’s fun to read. And very general vague outlook for Pisces in 2025 sounds good to me. Starts with relaxing, withdrawing, regrouping the first couple months. I’m good with that plan. Sounds like could be some good changes professionally, and yep, I’ve already laid groundwork for that. And a small suggestion of moving homes, which yeah, is the plan. 🤷🏼♀️ So I guess I’m ready for what the stars may or may not have planned.
[edited to add] Might as well save a copy of what I read in case the link changes:
from Allure — summary rest during tax season, positive changes professionally, good friendship time:
Early in 2025, messenger Mercury moves into your sign. This gives you a boost in creativity, Pisces. It also occurs while Mars is retrograde. During Mars retrograde, all signs may notice a drop in libido or desire to hustle. Combat this by allowing yourself to indulge in rest and creative delights. Make sure to connect with friends while the sun is in your sign so that you can celebrate Pisces season properly. Venus is also in your sign early in 2025, blessing love. However, then she goes retrograde. Venus retrograde isn't considered the best time for weddings or making major changes to your appearance. During Venus retrograde, there's an eclipse in Aries that could lead you feeling burnt out. Shortly after, Venus moves into your opulent 2nd House, offering a chance for professional gain.
Your social circle expands, and friends begin to feel like family during Gemini season. Mark down the Capricorn full moon that happens during this time, as some Pisces may develop crushes on friends. You'll also want to note the dates of Mercury retrograde, as they can lead to miscommunication. When your dreamy planet, Neptune, goes retrograde, the truth about any unhealthy relationships comes to the forefront. Strict Saturn retrogrades, then moves into your sign. This is associated with a shift in professional desires. During this time, there's an eclipse in your sign, which may make you feel drained. Capricorn season, which begins at the end of the year, is lovely for friendships and reminds you to connect with your chosen family.
From Horoscope.com:
You're the star of the show this year in many ways, Pisces, as 2025 calls you out of hiding and into the spotlight. This year, the universe is setting the stage for you to dive deep into the waters of self-discovery and emerge with treasures of wisdom and strength.
The north node in your sign this year, Pisces, aligns with eclipses in your 1st house of self, emphasizing positive change and new beginnings! It's a powerful time for setting intentions that align with your truest desires while also surrendering to unexpected miracles and surprises. Meanwhile, the south node in Virgo in your 7th house of love brings powerful milestones and shifts in your closest relationships throughout the year.
Venus and Mercury retrograde in Aries in your 2nd house of values and possessions prompt a reevaluation of what truly matters to you. This introspective period is your cue to align your resources and relationships with your newfound identity. The Aries eclipse, coupled with Neptune and Saturn entering Aries, helps you secure a foundation that reflects your values and creativity.
Jupiter journeys into Cancer in your 5th house of passion in June, bringing a wave of joy, creativity, and love into your life. This is a time to embrace what brings you pleasure and gives your heart permission to lead the way.
Uranus' monumental entrance into Gemini in your 4th house of home and family introduces innovative changes to your living situation and inner-realm. Embrace flexibility and don't be afraid to challenge traditions; these changes are paving the way for a more authentic lifestyle for you and your family. Trust the process this year, but trust your intuition the most!
In:
Out:
Day 64
Random number: 315
Organize cookbooks
This was on New Years Eve.
This little task grew! I had to remove all of Sean’s unread comic books from bottom shelves in living room. Then rearrange shelves, and reorganize stuff hidden in the gray & blue bins.
Then gathered (TOO MANY) cookbooks from 4 places to bring them altogether. We do have too many but we do use them more than Sean touches those comic books. The shelves are prettier and have space and have stuff we use on them. And now the cookbooks aren’t cluttering a side table and we’ve freed up space in a kitchen cabinet. This brought me great joy!
