By Joan Whetzel
My
oldest granddaughter is with her daddy for the summer, leaving my daughter and
I time to get things done around the house/garage/yard. A few larger projects.
(Like clearing out the garage attic and the upstairs game room in the house).
The list of things that need doing is much, much, much shorter than it has been
the last 3 summers. The size of the projects is also smaller.
One
thing we’ve found, though, is that giving ourselves some small comforts, some
little luxuries, after completing our big projects and our regular chores
(mowing) is something we both need. True, getting these cleaning projects over
and done with are comforts in themselves. But we still need to treat ourselves
as a way of patting ourselves on the back for our accomplishments. Some of our
small comforts include:
1.
Matinee
movie – NO kiddie movies allowed! Sorry Disney, I’ve had my fill, I’m feeding
the adult now.
2.
30
to 60-minute swim in the neighborhood pool to cool off (especially after
outdoor projects and chores in the Houston heat and humidity).
3.
Grilling
a new recipe for supper, especially if those recipes include hot peppers,
cayenne, chili power......
4.
Grilling
apples or peaches with cinnamon, Splenda, and little apple or peach juice in a
foil boat for dessert. Served with a scoop of ice cream, of course. It’s like low-cal
pie without the crust; and we don’t have to heat up the kitchen.
5.
Allowing
ourselves the purchase of one smallish item per month (or 2 months) that
updates our environment to reflect our changing tastes, and our changing lives.
(I got myself some red sheets a couple years ago. I always wanted red sheets. I’ve
added a few other red items to my bedroom since then).
6.
Time
to just sit a read a book. Reading for pleasure!
7.
Eating
out on the deck when the weather is nice. Meals without a TV in sight.
We feeling both
comforted and happier because we’re taking care of ourselves, and because we’re
clearing away the clutter. Our life has changed a lot over recent years, and
these small comforts (aka luxuries) are reminders to take care of ourselves. We’ve
earned it.
