U.S. Route 23 and Other Blessings

I could really use this fantastic retro avocado green suitcase from TheFancyLamb tonight! Check it out!

The sign in the entryway of my home reads, "An attitude of gratitude creates blessings." It's one of my favorite things--and a great reminder as soon as I enter my house that my attitude makes a big difference.

Tonight I am thankful for safety.

Though "safety" isn't quite as shiny as a new kitchen gadget, nor is it as cool as a new iPhone app, it's my favorite thing.

Tonight I was driving "quickly" on U.S. Route 23--trying to get home in time to see my husband before putting my child to bed--when the van I was driving quick working. As in, right in the middle of the road it stopped.

Dead.

I couldn't even coast off onto the non-existent shoulder. I was stuck--half on the road, half off the road--with cars and trucks rushing past. With each vehicle that approached my van, I prayed that the driver was paying attention. (And I made a few mental notes about my own occasional distracted driving.)

I'll put it right out there: I was scared.

Three officers, an hour, and a tow truck later, we were on our way. And I couldn't be more thankful that my son and I were safe. It's amazing the things I take for granted on a regular basis.

The car is in a nearby shop, we are gloriously stranded at my grandma's house (who can complain about THAT?), and there will be details to work out later.

But for tonight ... I am just thankful.

Letters to the Editor (From the Editor's Mom)

One of the best parts of attending summer camp as a kid was receiving mail from back home.

Sitting at the breakfast table in the camp dining room, I watched with anticipation each morning as the counselor went to collect the mail for our cabin. Of course it was never the cool thing to act excited if the counselor happened to toss me a piece of mail from home. But boy, I couldn't rip into the envelope fast enough when I was alone.

I'd savor the list of questions from Mom, the simple, one-sentence re-assurances from Dad, and the sincere teasing from my brother.

But receiving mail from back home didn't stop there.

It was a tradition in my family that--whenever someone left on a trip--those of us left behind would sneak mail into the traveler's luggage. We'd write little notes of love or appreciation and sneak them between the shirts or shorts or shoes.

And no matter how many times I traveled, it always caught me off guard the first time I'd lift an outfit and discover the envelope with my name on it waiting to be opened. Throughout the week, a half a dozen other notes would surely be uncovered.

(I always wondered if Mom didn't have a second motive for sending these notes when we were kids: to be sure we changed our clothes every single day.)

Tonight, on the verge of the trip of my lifetime, I revel in my family's consistency. Although Mom didn't go through my luggage this time (and hallelujah for that since my suitcase is looking more jumbled than I'd planned) she did hand me a bag of letters to be read on my trip--names and "to read" dates written clearly so I won't tear into them all at once.

I suppose, among other things, I can be thankful she knows I'll change my clothes.

Home Sweet House

Photo by malias

Trips are nice. Home is better.

Admittedly, I don't have much to say tonight. After 10 hours in the car, I pulled into my driveway, and nothing--NOTHING--looked as good as my house. I dragged my suitcase, (large enough to transport a body), through the front door and ker-thunked it on the living room floor before inhaling the smells of home.

Better still, my husband had dinner in the oven and toilet paper on the holder. He had the place completely under control!

I look forward to diving into the website full-force again this week. Watch for improvements. Cheer on the changes. And thank you to the many of you who sent me well wishes this week.

It's sure good to be back!

Before You Go

Photo by fdecomite

Fact. It's easier to come home when the kitchen is clean.

Yesterday morning, my suitcase was in the car, my map and tote were secured in the front passenger seat, and I was ready to go. Except for the fact that I wanted my kitchen in tip top shape so that when I returned, I wasn't running back out the door screaming like a banchee. Here are 3 HONCHO HINTS pertaining to the kitchen that I suggest doing before you leave for a trip of any length:

1. Eliminate any food that will spoil before you return. This will save time and frustration later.
2. Empty the trash. Nothing smells worse than fermented garbage.
3. Do the dishes. You won't want to come home to a sink full of messy plates.

As a rule, it's best to ask yourself what you want to come home to. In the crazy whirlwind of packing a suitcase, it's easy to leave the house looking like it was robbed. Just ask yourself the question, "Is this what I want to see when I next walk through the door?" and it could save you frustration on your return.

Announcement: Tomorrow, here on the blog, we'll be rolling out a great new initiative that will help us in our search for dedicated home managers. Your participation is greatly welcomed and desired.

See you tomorrow!