Rain, Baby Wiggles, Facebook Marketplace: My Tuesday Gratitudes

Hello my friends! Isn’t it something that you can make friends all over the world, even without ever seeing anyone’s face or hearing someone’s voice? But you are most certainly my friends, who show up as often as you do (whatever that amount may be), read what I have to say and connect with me and this community whether outwardly via the comments or even just in spirit. What a marvel. I remember sitting in AOL chat rooms in the mid-1990s when people had just started experiencing what it was to “talk” to strangers from around the globe. I mean…there were plenty of shady and unsavory things going on, I’m sure, but I was young and I never really ventured anywhere I shouldn’t have. I did chit-chat with people my age (or at least people who were trying to pass off as being 13 or 14…who really knows), and it was thrilling. A/S/L was always the first question. 13/F/Orlando, FL I’d always say. The internet is a different place now, of course, but us humans will always find a way to connect with others, and I think that’s wonderful.

Anyway, I never did make it to the apple orchard this weekend. I decided to sleep in on Sunday, and making a two-hour trek there and back just didn’t feel worth it. Maybe this weekend. Maybe no weekend. I’m not beating myself up for potentially missing out. But an apple cider donut does sound delicious…

Here’s what I’m grateful for today and this week so far:

I’m grateful for a drizzly, chilly day (that was supposed to be quite stormy but turned out to be very pleasant, at least here in LA).

I’m grateful that the wrist braces I bought for the pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel I’ve been dealing with have worked wonders!

I’m grateful I got through some prenatal pilates and cardio this weekend feeling strong and able.

I’m grateful for every wiggle and bump and thump I feel in my abdomen—a sign of a healthy, thriving little baby.

I’m grateful for the beautiful street and neighborhood I get to call home that make nighttime walks feel safe, and daytime walks feel pleasant as I admire all the lovely homes, dogs, chickens, and friendly faces.

I’m grateful that even when I have bad days physically, they never last too long before I feel a bit of relief.

I’m grateful for hot showers.

I’m grateful for books to get lost in, rather than social feeds.

I’m grateful for friends who check in regularly as much as I’m grateful for friends who welcome you back after a long time without connecting.

I’m grateful for places like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace where you can buy really great second-hand things for a great price without creating waste.

I’m grateful for heating pads to heal an aching back.

I’m grateful for science and vaccines and healthcare.

I’m grateful for Charles.

I’m grateful for you.

See you tomorrow, FOAS.