There is a slight breeze today and a sky full of blue and sunshine. The temperature is somewhere between long sleeve shirt and hooded jacket. I choose the hooded sweatshirt that I had conveniently ‘hung up’ on the floor in the back bedroom. It was lying there in a little box of sunshine. When I put it on I reveled in the warm toasty feeling. I decided to make a turkey bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.

Iowa

As I made my sandwich I pondered 'things that bring me joy'. Whenever I am making a list in my head, and I do this often, I try to start with an empty slate and just let the list sort of fill up by itself. The warm sunshine on my face makes me think of Iowa in the fall. Iowa is beautiful, the rolling hills, the caves (yes we have caves), and most of all the people. We are a friendly bunch. I added Iowa to the top of my list with a mental dry erase marker (in purple of course).

Sports quickly raised it’s hand ‘What about me?’ it begged; for 'sport's' knows that I love them, and any list about joy, would need to include their great moments. Two dreadful seasons ago, the Washington Nationals opened the season in a brand new stadium. It was March 30th, 2008 and their opponent was the Atlanta Braves. I lived in the greater DC area at the time and about 2 hours before the 'sold out' game, I decided to attend. I didn't have a ticket, but I was willing to risk it. It has been my experience that there are usually singles that are available, as most people buy 2 or more tickets together. I was right! My ticket was on the first base side. It was a little bit cool, but the excitement in the air, and a beautifully played game, kept everyone in good spirits. Sadly it didn't look to good for the Nationals going into the 9th inning. Down 2-1 with one man on and 2 outs the crowd stood cheering the team, cheering the new stadium, cheering the idea of baseball in the Nation's capital. We hoped for one of those 'movie' moments. Ryan Zimmerman hit a towering walk off home run. 'Cut and Print'

The list continued to grow, it included first kisses, cat paws around corners, and Dexie's Midnight Runners only hit, 'Come On Eileen'. Then I added to the list, accomplishment. I like to make lists and there is a joy in scratching off something from that list. I do it in my personal life, I do it with work. Each thin line marks progress. I find that the more lists I make, the more I get done.

So another week has started, black Friday is past and the holiday ruckus is underway, there will be many distractions, and many joys. I hope you will find the time to make a list, check it twice, and take joy in a job well done.

Make Breakfast.
Write blog post.
Turn attention to Social Networking.

Washington Nationals: March 30, 2008