Good gin on a hot day

Yesterday a life-long friend send me a picture of her son playing the clarinet. She said it reminded her of me. It made me so happy. I appreciated hearing from her, knowing she was thinking of me, and knowing that she remembered an important (musical) part of my life. I am so proud of her son and I hope he finds as much joy in music as I did growing up. (Note to self: Play again someday! Or at least listen to more music that's not Laurie Berkner or Kidz Bop.)

I am thankful to learn (after talking with my mom) that my troubled uncle has proven—through his actions during the first few days he's been back in MA—that he really is taking strides towards a better, cleaner life. He followed the guidelines and reached the goals his siblings set for him this week. I am also very proud of my mom and her brothers and they way that they have handled the situation. 

My friend who had surgery today is home and recovering. I'm thankful that's it's over and she's doing well. I'm also thankful that none of my problems are life-threatening.

I am thankful for the dinner invitation I received from an old friend—my maid of honor! We grew apart when Andrew and I moved to Easton. But she recently moved to Sharon and I'm incredibly excited that she's so nearby again. Her two sons are the same ages as Emma and Lindsay. I'm glad to have them become a bigger part of our lives. Sarah (my friend) is one of the funniest, wittiest people I know. I'm excited about the laughter she'll bring into my life. I need more laughter. 

As silly as it sounds, I'm thankful for the new Fish with Attitude app that I downloaded for Emma earlier this week. She and I have had fun over the last few nights decorating fish tanks, collecting coins, breeding fish, feeding and training fish, and growing our tanks. As cheesy as it sounds, there is some learning involved (it takes 300 coins to buy that decoration, a happy fish plus a brave fish = a smart fish, etc.). It's a great teaching opportunity, a good conversation starter, and an excuse to spend extra time together. 

Side note: 

The book I'm currently reading (for my awesome new book club) is The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett. Last night I came across this quote—it's definitely apropos:

"If you've had good gin on a hot day in Southern California with the people you love, you forget Nebraska."

I know, I know. I don't drink gin and I'm not from Nebraska. But for the main character in the book, the gin represents her finding genuine happiness (in the little things) and Nebraska represents a dark past. Let's just say that I hope I have enough good gin in my life to forget about Nebraska someday. I'm working on it.