Day #100

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” ― Maya Angelou

“My actions are my only true belongings.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh

Day #100.

I did it!

Day #99

I needed to go to the doctor's today. Nothing serious. Ethan went to work with Doug, attending his class. Doug told me Ethan laughed at his jokes and listened intently. While it's pretty cool that Ethan gets to sit in on a computer science graduate class, it's their bond that really makes me happy. I've shared that a few times over these #100HappyDays but it's worth revisiting and celebrating again.

Day #98

Ethan: Mom, hold my thumb.
Me, holding, then giving a gentle squeeze--a kind of thumb hug.
Ethan: There's something about that that's so comforting.

I love learning those little things about the people I love.

Day #97

I was pulling into our driveway from dropping Doug off at work this morning when my young neighbour friend ran over to say hello. He's been my artist buddy for years. He was home because his parents have opted him out of the standardized tests, and today is the first day. He told me he hates the tests. I asked him if he wanted to bring home a big blank canvas to work on. He said "Sure!" He was very excited. He's been asking me for one of my large blank canvases for some time. It felt so good to watch him carry it home across our muddy yards. I ran over to see if he would let me take his picture. Again he said "Sure." I didn't need a picture. It is a moment I will remember for a long time. But I wanted to share it and add it to the final days of my #100HappyDays.

Day #96

Checking things off my list of things I need to do.

Day #95

One of the best parts about being a not-very-worldly person is that I have the opportunity to learn lots of new things every day.  Something that's been a long process of learning for me (and is still a work in progress) is understanding that confidence is not arrogance, and humility is not insecurity. That might seem obvious to most, but it's been subtle for me. Extreme examples are clear, of course. It's those inconspicuous ones that still get me.

When I was 21, I got a Haida thunderbird tattoo on my lower leg. I was in Vancouver, BC, with a close friend. We had just driven across the country for the first time (first of five for me--two return trips, and one final one-way with Doug) in an old Chevette in which we had to stop at regular intervals to fill the oil and the transmission fluid, change three blown tires with around eitght unmatching bolts, and figure out the source and solution of a steaming radiator in the badlands while a storm brewed on the horizon.

Anyway, the tattoo has it's wings close to it's body. The tattoo artist told me it was suppose to symbolize humility and strength. I liked that, so I chose it. So, this humility and confidence thing has been something I've been thinking about and working on for a long time. One would think I'd have made more progress by now. But I'm learning. I'm learning! And learning makes me happy.

Day #94

This was so fun. We finished our projects today. Ethan said it is the most beautiful thing he has ever made. He loved soldering. I hoped he might. Now we have a couple more mementos to bring with us on our next adventure.