I started out writing about how I’m a “bummed-out terrorist,” because while we all know that “antifa” isn’t an actual organization, if it were, I would totally join, hence my “terrorist” designation. I am stressed. I have been low-key freaking out about the destruction of our democracy for almost a decade now, and it’s all only gotten worse. Also, honestly? It’s not super-great for my mental health to have to explain current events to an outside observer (S, our lovely exchange student from Belgium). Last night I kept waking up from a succession of high-anxiety dreams: I was lost, I was being pursued by by wild animals, I was endlessly pulling piles of gum out of my throat, I was ripping apart my own teeth. Anyway, I decided that writing and ranting about everything I’m angry and upset about won’t help today, so I’m trying to focus on the opposite of terror. Hence my title, brought to your by Merriam-Webster‘s list of antonyms.
I’m writing this after spending my morning going on a bike ride, doing yoga outside, and meditating. I’ve resumed my one-a-day resistance efforts, after taking some time off, and I’m hoping to spend the rest of the day in various creative pursuits. For this post, I’ll take a little time to focus on the positive.
The other day I participated in a League of Women Voters Honk and Wave, and that sort of thing always raises my spirits.
Cute W was away Monday through Friday for his annual conference, and it’s always lovely to have him back home, especially because he’s a bundle of stress before he goes and he returns home happy that everything’s gone well and ready to relax (as much as he knows how).
My goldfish plant actually flowered! The last time I had a goldfish plant, I killed it, so not only keeping my second goldfish plant alive but keeping it happy enough to flower its first little goldfish baby is a triumph. A triumph, I tell you.
On Friday night we were pleased to learn that that the nearby Mexican place finally got their liquor license, and then S walked over to attend her first American football game. She is making friends, which is excellent, and we ended up hanging out with friends that night, too.
The weather has been fantastic, hasn’t it? Here are some flowers that I saw this morning when I was doing yoga at Mohawk Harbor.
Yesterday, my Zumba class had a potluck lunch, which was an extremely delightful opportunity to actually have conversations with the people we typically only greet quickly. Plus it was fun to see everyone looking cute and non-sweaty. It was also fantastic that every person there was the type of person who will hop up and dance, and of course our teacher brought her playlist, so there was plenty of spontaneous dancing.
Then Cute W and I took S apple picking at Riverview Orchards. Again, gorgeous day, and the cider donuts were warm!
Then we had a “snicky snack” dinner of cheeses and olives and lunch meats. Here’s our cat, Dave, hoping that we’ll share some chicken with him.
After dinner, we had a movie night, with Remember the Titans, to continue the football theme for S. We went old school with a library DVD. S has also watched all of My Life with the Walter Boys in French, so now sometimes I say it’s time for her English lesson, which is really just me watching the show in English.
