I Don't Like to be Low on Windshield Wiper Fluid

I guess you could say I’m a neat freak. I like order and tidiness.   I like having a place for the scissors and knowing that they are always in the same spot when I need them.  I like using the notebook that hasn’t been drawn in to jot my grocery list down.  When everything is neat and orderly, I feel good.   I think I’ve always been like this, but as I get older, I find I’m much less tolerant of “messy”.  I can’t think straight or clearly when the blankets aren’t put away or there are breakfast dishes in the sink.  I don’t have a nervous breakdown when the house is in disarray, but definitely feel much happier when the house is picked up and closet doors are closed. 

There is a real switch that “clicks” in my brain when things are organized. I can feel it go from off to on instantly.  I’m not obsessive compulsive about it (really I’m not), but there is a definite difference in how I feel.  I am a classic visual learner, so maybe that has something to do with it.   The learning path to my brain is directly connected to the visual path of my eyes.  If there’s clutter on the highway, I feel like I’m driving the day after a snowstorm without windshield wiper fluid.  I just can’t see clearly and everything slows down. 

I’ve found this to be true in my writing as well. I can’t write when the house is alive and filled with “Mommy” and the sounds of the TV.  I need quiet to process my thoughts and put them down onto my keyboard.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the “Mommy” and the sounds of the TV too, but for the time I want to be creative, I’ve found that I’m more inspired when things are tucked away in their designated spots and the highway is clear for miles and my wiper fluid it topped off to the brim.  I appreciate and enjoy a clean windshield.

The Morning Sky

I am up earlier than normal today and have decided to take advantage of the solitude before the morning routine swings into action.  I’ve made myself a cup of tea with coconut creamer (my new favorite flavor) and toast to go with it for breakfast and have crawled back in under the covers.

As I sit here, I have a perfect view from two of our bedroom windows of the morning sky. Over twenty minutes, it’s changed ever so slowly.  What is a vast sheet of colorless darkness has quickly given way to a deep shade of cadet blue, but only slightly visible through the smoky grey clouds.  It’s not quite spring time, so am not able to hear the morning calls of our feathered neighbors.  That distinct sound is one that defines the morning for me. 

Only minutes have passed since I started writing and the sky is opening its wings and the clouds are now finding their way back to their resting spots until they are needed again. The color is now walking that fine line between white and robin’s egg blue. It’s as if it can’t decide which color to be for the moment and waffles back and forth between the two.  Its tranquility is impressive.

My time of serenity is coming to an end as the digits on the clock continue to climb.  I wish I could let them both sleep in but their days await them as does mine.  It’s a day filled with activities and friends. As I finish typing, I will stare out my windows for a few more moments and try to remember this quietness of the morning sky as the goldenness now begins to dominate the canvas.

RAKs

I recently joined the Random Acts of Kindness group on Facebook and got to thinking about this subject as I was viewing their page and information.  I love the thought of making someone’s day without them knowing who was responsible for their moment of surprise. It’s very satisfying to do good and really think we ought to participate in this act much more frequently than we probably do.

The boys and I have a favorite act that we do and I’ll share it with you even though the acts are more enjoyable to perform when they’re anonymous.  Our RAK (as the term is referred to) is to pay for the car’s meal behind us when we’re in line at our McDonalds.  We used to ask how much it was, but stopped doing that because it seemed to take away from the generosity behind the act. Now we just decide to do it and pay regardless.   For lack of better words, it’s a lot of fun.    We have to maneuver slowly through the line so that our getaway can be quick and can drive off around the corner before the cashier has time to tell them what good fortune has just come their way.

We always hope that the car in front of us just orders a drink so that their transaction will be short and sweet, leaving the space in front of us clear of delays in sneaking out of the parking lot.   We don’t want to be stuck behind “one of those” cars that order a strawberry shake (the milkshake machine is always down for this item - we know) and a double cheeseburger with no pickles.  This means delay for sure.   If we get delayed and our RAK recipient is going to hear the news before we’re gone, then we have to make sure the windows are rolled up and keep our heads forward so as not to make eye contact with them or have them shout out a “thank you”.   It takes away from our fun.

I have others that I do regularly as well, like finding the perfect parking spot in front of a store only to drive past it and allow the car behind me to enjoy the find.  I’m young. I can walk easily from the next row back.  When I’ve done this, I often wonder if they just think I’m blind or stupid to give up such a prime spot. Regardless of their opinion of me, I still do it and enjoy the ping of kindness that fills me heart.  To me, it’s definitely worth being thought of as blind or stupid.

So, today as you’re out and about, think of all the RAKs you can do.   It just might make someone’s day more than you’ll ever know.  And, if you need ideas, please visit their website as well for inspiration.  I’d love to know if you have RAKs that you do on a regular basis or if you wish to remain completely anonymous and not share, that’s fine too.  I understand if you want to be thought of as blind or stupid.  That’s part of the fun.  

http://www.actsofkindness.org

What Does Love Sound Like

Love sounds like a bird flapping its wings as it takes flight into the morning air.  You can hear the flutter as the air passes over the feathers. It tweets a melody into the blue sky for the world to hear.

Love sounds like a gentle rain on a tin roof in the middle of the night.  You can hear the pattern of the droplets through the rumble of thunder.  It tings and pings for the world to hear.

Love sounds like a circus of laughing clowns and elephants marching into the Big Tent as the sun sets in the west.  You can hear the announcer introduce each act and routine with his booming rhythmic voice.  It excitedly cheers and roars in amazement for the world to hear.

Love sounds like a flower bud opening for the first time with dewdrops on its yellow petals.  You can hear the bee buzzing in the open field.  It sings quietly, a song of grace and understanding for the world to hear.

Love sounds like an orchestra playing its showpiece to a full house of willing listeners.  You can hear the timpani’s warmth and the cello’s rich tone flow over the red crushed velvet seats.  It shouts and whispers its glorious story for the world to hear.

Love sounds like the hand of God touching your face in the moonlight.  You can hear the beating of his heart on your cool skin.  It ever so quietly taps life into your being for the world to hear.

My Alphabet Day

Awoke three minutes before the alarm went off

Breakfast - toast and a diet pepsi (yes, that’s what I had.)

Car was driven 12 miles

Decided to do the laundry - again

Elated at the thought of moving to a new house

Filled up my windshield wiper fluid

Gathered documents for pre-approval process

Hugged my children

Ice cream for dessert - not today

Jalapeno peppers went bad in the back of the fridge

Kissed my husband

Letter submitted for son’s award nomination

Made breakfast for dinner - eggs & bacon & all the fixin’s

Norwegian Cruise Line goes to St. Lucia

Order of Kiehl’s lotion didn’t arrive today

Picked up son from school and chatted about his day

Quoted a loan rate that seemed too good to be true

Rice made for lunch - Basmati

Searched the homes for sale on the MLS site

Talked to my mom and dad on the phone

Unloaded the dishwasher twice (how is that possible?)

Vacation is on the brain

Watched my son’s basketball game

checked eXpedia for airfare (nothing starts with X)

Yawned as I typed this

Zapped both boys in blackjack (that’s a technical term for “won”)