Friends & Lovers & Laboring over Lingerie (the 4th!)

Well, today is another of those days where I allowed "myself" to get frustrated because schedules and events fail to adhere to "my" plans.  (Hmph - thought I'd gotten over that little hurdle!  One step forward, two steps back it seems.)   Add to the disrupted schedule, a lenghty errand and shopping list, mix in a little "false guilt" and one has the makings of a particularly crappy day.  HOWEVER, I'm working on the whole attitude.... choosing the battles..... and trying really hard not to "sweat the small stuff".  (If you, my friend - were privvy to my personality inventory, you'd understand how big of an overhaul this really, really is!)  

Against this backdrop of self-centered burden, a rainbow in the sky literally appeared.  At the end of that rainbow was a selfless young woman, eager to help (and eager to get me out of the house and on to those errands!)   Deciding it was good to get out and knock a few lines off the idol of productivity, I accepted the blue-eyed, porcelain-skinned angel's kind offer.) 

Off to the shops I went, drawing lines through the list. 

Adding previously undocumented goals as they were attained. (For those I feel bliss?)

After the all-over-East-Cobb spree had drawn to an end, I pulled into the garage 

and entered the kitchen, my friend. 

What to my wandering eyes did appear, but a clean main floor, and the Sunday shower decor. 

There, in the dining room were my white table linens,

with red elevations,

and iron dress form maidens. 

The beverage station was all set, the powder room polished and ready.  I knew in an instant, I'd been loved, again humbled ...

everything was done, twas only I who needed to steady. 

Upon entering the den I did see, what my darling husband had

completed for me....

a rod on the mantle for the shower on Sunday ....

with black lace and satin ribbon ....

for  new lingerie on display. 

You should put this on pinterest he jested....

(but I'm really gonna do -  just what he suggested!) 

Our days are too short and are often too few, to focus on what and what not electively to do! 

Again, I was reminded to open my eyes ...

 to love and to the blessings all around -

     because so easily I'm mastered by lists and goals, such foolish things to be bound!

~~~~~~~~~~

So, thanks for bearing with me through that little rhyme! 

 (Seriously, not sure what came over me - but the words will remain!) 

~~~~~~~~~~

After getting home on Saturday evening, it was time for me to get ready for a very special date.  Mind you, I had told dear hubby that on this occasion, the 17th anniversary of our wedding vows, I wanted to do something inexpensive,  out-of-the-box, and memorable.  We go out to dinner frequently, so a reservation at a nice restaurant doesn't stand out as much as one would hope.  I'm all about saving money these days....and more about simplicity and "just being" than ever before.  (In spite of the earlier Self-imposed pressure.)

So, Dear Hubby listened and he told me to be ready by 6pm.  Instead of a nice black dress, or semi-formal gown...he suggested shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers.  Hmmm.... I was intrigued.  We buckled our seatbelts and took a right out of the neighborhood with me trying to determine that mysterious destination.  At some point, I decided we were either going to my in-laws house or to Stone Mountain.  (Not that I don't love my in-laws immensely, I'm grateful we went to the latter!)

 

We pulled into the park, paid the $10 fee and drove to the base of the famous mountain.  I switched from Sperry's to Chaco's and followed my man up the granite front, realizing how out of shape I've become!  We climbed to the top and then he opened his bag.  While I was huffing and puffing along the way, he had carried a full picnic, Ipod and speakers, a bottle of wine and one of my favorites - chocolate covered strawberries!  We enjoyed one of the most memorable anniversaries ever and one that will surely never be forgotten.  We even saw "fireworks."  (Seriously, we saw them from the top of the mountain, an interesting perspective - and one that catches you off guard since you can't see the laser show below.

I am so blessed!  Today I'm reminded again of so many reasons I have to be grateful... grateful for my friends and family.... and for "simple things."