Jana from the Jana Says blog recently wrote about half a dozen good things happening in her life. The post was an antidote to a previous article in which she screamed rather primally about a whole lot of bad, frustrating stuff.
I hear her on both counts. Now I’m going to steal her format, and share half a dozen decent occurrences of my own.
(Got six good things – or even one – of your own? Do share, in the comments.)
We’ll start with something sweet:
1. Harley cakes
My friend Linda B. and I go to Harley’s Old Thyme Café just about every week. Originally it was run by a guy from Oklahoma who cooked the food his momma fed him: catfish, grits, chicken and dumplings, and other good things. He also did a long, slow smoking of brisket that makes great sandwiches, plated dinners, and something he called “It Ain’t Chili” (all the little brisket bits that broke off during the carving, mixed with pinto beans and barbecue sauce).
Harley finally retired and, bless his heart, sold the business to a couple of his cooks (whom I believe threw in with a few friends). They are all of Mexican heritage and have added a few new touches, like chorizo and huevos rancheros. Mostly, though, they kept the old menu – including the Harley cake, a weekend special pancake made with chopped pecans and toffee bits. This is exactly as delicious as it sounds, like a big, flat sweet roll. It doesn’t need syrup, or even butter.
When Linda B. and I went there last weekend I ordered my usual breakfast: Big Momma’s Big Pancake Stack, which I always ask to arrive as individual ingredients – eggs, hash browns, bacon and pancakes – rather than eat stacked together. Except that I recently learned you can request Harley cakes instead of regular pancakes.
And I did.
2. Buddy passes
Thanks to a friend who works for an airline, I am able to get tickets for up to 90 percent off the published fare. I’ll be using one soon, probably before the end of February, to go visit my daughter in Phoenix.
These good things make the trips much more affordable, and the fact that I’ll be flying standby keeps my go-with-the-flow muscles flexed and ready. Nothing like not knowing you’ll get on the plane to keep your expectations low. (“I got a middle seat in the last row, right next to the toilets, with a crying lap baby on either side of me? Awesome!”)
Anyone interested in a reader meet-up? Let me know at SurvivingAndThriving (at) live (dot) com.
3. Completed taxes
Why is it that tax time makes me as nervous as a cat in a cage? I always have this feeling that I messed up badly and that Uncle Sam is going to let me know it. My tax specialist says that honest people often fret, whereas people who scam or outright cheat have few to no scruples.
My personal taxes were filed and accepted over a week ago. My business taxes – on hold due to a delay in a state form being available – will be ready to pick up on Monday.
4. Frugal zombies
I used to watch “The Walking Dead” at Linda B.’s house, given that DF and I don’t have a television. Ever since the local cable operator dropped the AMC channel from its lineup, though, she and I have been catching the show at a pleasant little neighborhood bar called The Hideaway Club. It was fun, since everyone brought potluck items to share.
Recently my niece amended her TV streaming subscription, and the new version includes AMC. So beginning on Feb. 25, Linda B. and I will go over to my niece’s place every Sunday evening. It will be more comfortable (sofas vs. straight-back chairs) than The Hideaway Club and also more frugal: We no longer have to pay for a drink (white zin for her, Diet Coke for me) or tip a bartender. Two more good things!
However, we might still bring snacks to share. The only challenge will be keeping them away from her food-stealing dog.
5. “As One”
The local newspaper asked me to preview a modern opera called “As One,” which is about the life of a transgender person. It’s a two-hander, yet both the baritone and the mezzo are the same person (just at different times).
I wound up doing way too much reading and research for the price tag ($100), but I wanted to do the idea justice – especially since a young person close to me may be transgender. He went with us to the opera, wearing a white chiffon dress – and sneakers. (The above link goes to my article, and includes a lovely short video.)
And speaking of research…
6. A new freelance client
Lately I’ve done a few articles for Magnify Money, and have enjoyed the challenge. Well, mostly: The research for an upcoming piece made me dizzy, and the writing made me dizzier still. A real brain-bender, that one, because the topic was both complex and completely foreign to me. Nothing like having to learn something from the ground up to make you feel humble.
Not that this is a bad thing! If I start thinking I know everything I need to know about personal finance (or anything else), then it’s time for a smackdown.
Readers: What’s good in your lives right now?
A young friend put my soil in pots for planting.
My 18-yr-old car seems to be free of major problems for one more year.
A friend volunteered to come and help me with a few things.
I lost two pounds.
I have successfully cut my hair and friend helped-$0 cost.
3 of my rescue cats got adopted this week
I got over my cold
I fixed my iphone
I sat in the warm LA sun twice this week
I saw Orion’s belt in the sky tonight (rare in LA)
I found (made) time to walk 4 days this week
Thank you for this timely piece….IMHO, too many times we tend to see the glass “half empty” instead of “half full”…It’s fair to say it could always be worse… And a tip of the hat for NOT having a TV… I admire your resolve… And lastly, just about time to start the vegetable plants indoors…which always makes one feel optimistic….
I bought 4 pkts. of seeds at Dollar Tree for $1. And 2 plants at ALDI. I said I was summoning spring, after about 8 days of on again off again snow.
I plan to do the same trip to the Dollar Tree when I visit my daughter. Those four-for-a-buck packets made my day last year.
Hope spring arrives soon.
Yes! DF is clearing off a table today for the peat pots. Last week he bought a grow-light, using a Home Depot gift card we got for Christmas (thanks, Dad!) and one that I cashed in for from MyPoints. That plus the four-for-a-dollar seeds and seeds we saved from last year means a fairly frugal garden.
More to the point, it means fresh produce. I can’t wait. (Except of course that I have to wait.)
Shame on you. We are visiting NYC, my 17-year-old son awoke with pink eye, I just got off the line with WebMD, I have not yet had coffee or breakfast, and what do I do? I see your post and check in to read your sound advice and I have to endure reading a post about warm, delicious pancakes with pecans and toffee! I have just ordered my husband to go out in the city slush to find bagels. When I get back to Virginia, I may have to experiment with pancakes and toffee!
Pinkeye. Ack. I hope he isn’t too uncomfortable. Here’s a link to the Minute Clinics in New York City (there are seven of them):
https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinics/New-York/New-York
So much is good in my life I will try to narrow it to 6 (in keeping with the theme).
1. My employer moved us, all expenses paid, to our retirement destination, several years ahead of schedule.
2. Said move allowed us the move to our dream home, the smallest lot in the waterfront area, thus affordable for us.
3. My husband’s employer allowed him to keep his job as a work at home consultant half time.
4. My husband is so happy he has taken on housework, cooking and cleaning, as his full time job most days.
5. I was able to continue to work as a secret shopper to augment our somewhat reduced income in our new hometown.
6. My best friend moved across the country and is sitting in my living room with her husband right now!
That all sounds wonderful!
Awesome, all of it.
Your articles always qualify as “a good thing” in my book. Always something to reflect on and a window into change.
Why, thank you!
I went home from school for a weekend at home with my family and I got to eat pot roast with my family, I got my tax documents organized for the accountant, and I got a coupon for a free bottle of store-brand aspirin. When I got to the store they were out of that size of aspirin, and I was allowed to substitute for a larger size of aspirin, still free!
In this case, size does matter. 😉
1. Got to have a Mommy/Son day with my 6 yr old yesterday and had a blast.
2. Enjoyed both a donut and cake yesterday. Mmm.
3. Finally stopped procrastinating on taxes and should have everything ready to send to our tax guy this week.
4. Only 3 weeks until our tropical island spring break vacation. I can’t wait!
5. Took the kids to Stations of the Cross last Friday and really enjoyed it.
6. Gave up ice cream for Lent (it was a problem! 😁) and have survived the first week.
Ice cream is a tough one to give up. I salute you.
1. Had a first wedding anniversary with my sweetheart, who I feel so lucky to be around and spectacularly lucky to be *with*
2. Found out that our union has an agreement with a community college so that members and their children can get 2 year degrees free
3. When we sat down to pay our bills I realized that we are rich: our life is so abundant that I didn’t know how much we had in our checkbook. That used to be an absolute necessity for just getting by, and now we have the luxury of knowing that there is enough without having to think about it. I just now teared up thinking about it again: like I said, riches beyond measure even though the actual number of dollars is very easily measured lol
4. I’m finally getting over a protracted bout of intestinal distress. Nuff said
5. There is a paid for movie card in my purse right now that I’m going to use to go see Black Panther!
6. I have a day off tomorrow, so I get to spend time with my niece and her new baby.
Outstanding, Rae — and everyone else, too. Keep it coming! I love to read all these success stories.
1.An unexpected $ 1200 check arrived on
Friday.
2. My 18 year old car continues to run like a
dream.
3. My son made bbq’d turkey wings yesterday
that were amazing. They were on special at
Pricemart.
4. The flu has been all around me and I’m still
feeling great (knock wood).
5. My Mum’s pain is finally responding to
meds.
I could go on ,but yes life is good and I’m very grateful.
I paid my mortgage off last month – 14 years earlier than the bank said I had to!!
I got a new (to me) car, and because my financial house is in order and my credit is good – I was able to donate my old car to someone in need of dependable transportation!
Because my mortgage is now paid, I am now able to use those monies to max an IRA.
I have a good job so I can continue to save for early retirement.
We’re only 2 months into the new year and I’ve already been able to give back more to my favorite organizations in need!
I’m surrounded by friends who support my thrifty ways!
I decided not to order any magazine subscriptions this year. They typically go unread and I wind up putting them into the recycle bin. Instead, I plan to go to the library (I haven’t been in years!) and read them. I have a warm home, a marriage I still cherish after 35 years, and grown kids who know me and love me and actually stay in contact. My heart is full of gratitude. And, Donna, you have no idea how much your stories and writings have soothed my soul over the years. Keep it up!
“My heart is full of gratitude.”
It should be. You’re a fortunate woman, especially since you recognize these blessings. Thanks for sharing your story. And I think you’ll enjoy reading at the library. I’ve been taking my laptop to the “no cell phone” section of our city’s main library when I can’t concentrate at home, and it’s a treat to walk past the “new arrivals” section and bring home a book or two. Or six.
Finally, thanks for your kind words and for being such a consistent reader. I really appreciate both.
Oh, Momma’s Big Pancake stack with Harley cakes sounds heavenly! I’ve got to get to Alaska one of these days. ;o)
As for good things in my life… my 16 year old car’s still running quite well. May it continue to do so! I’ve also managed to avoid the flu, and all other illnesses so far even though I’m a restaurant cashier. I will hit my goal of $1000 in savings next week on payday. I’m reasonably certain that I won’t owe the I.R.S. this year, unlike last year. YES!!!
Yay for savings! And cars that keep running. (My friend’s lasted for almost 21 years until it came down with an ailment that would have not been worth fixing.)
Donna, I share your fear of the tax man. Every year, I’m convinced some unforeseen circumstance will inspire the taxes to rise up and bite us on the backside. It’s amazing how a small change in our circumstances can have a huge effect on the bottom line. But we’re thinking about good things just now…
1. MrH is home and healing, in good spirits despite being down a kidney.
2. Our sons have really stepped up to help take care of their dad and manage the house. It’s one thing to know intellectually that they are truly adults, and another to see it in action.
3. We’ve received an amazing outpouring of support from family and friends far and near–everything from supportive comments on FaceBook to home-cooked dinners delivered to our door. It’s amazing and humbling, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this extended community.
4. I have 14 books and magazines on my reader, and another 60+ on my library wishlist. At the rate I’m adding to that list, I’ll never run out of great things to read!
5. The sun is shining, and the air outside is breezy and warm. We had the windows open yesterday, and the fresh air was amazing. I don’t think winter’s quite through with us yet, but spring is definitely on its way!
6. We are finally making real progress toward decluttering and organizing the house. We’ve still got a way to go, but things are definitely taking shape, and I like the shape they’re taking.
I’ve heard that trying to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” or even keeping a gratitude journal can have real benefits for our psychological and emotional state, and I believe it. Even when we can’t change our circumstances, we get to choose what to focus on and how we react to it. It’s not a quick fix, but I think that, as with budgeting, small incremental changes add up over time. I’m glad to see so many folks here with so much to be grateful about.
Donna, All my blessings seem tied to getting my prayer life in order. I’m finally following a schedule and so many good things have happened- the prayers, my daughter has finally got a good job she wants, we got the most beautiful new dog (a rescue dog) after mourning our beloved previous pet for more than a year, my daughters have not laughed so hard or so often in a long time, they both think the dog is hilarious. The new job includes a free trip to London for a week long conference- and a chance to visit friends- she studied there for a year a few years ago. My home is peaceful and warm, I live on a beautiful tropical island,although it’s been a real rainforest recently. All in all, good times. It really is about how you view things. There will always be things to complain about, but gratitude fills you up and sets your peace.
So good to review this again today.
Why, thank you.