Tuesday, December 3, 2013

It's the little things


be-the-change:

(via brightsidephotos)


I was in a bit of a Jonah mood yesterday.  A bit disgruntled and frustrated about some things.

We all get there from time to time.

I left my house in a huff and drove to mail some Christmas parcels.  When I got to the post office, the line was long and I could see the exasperation on many faces.

I decided to read emails and think happy thoughts if it killed me.  I decided to practice gratitude.

It didn't kill me.

I got to the head of the line, thanked the lady who was serving me for her hard work and smiled.

I was repaid by her smile and left the Post Officer lighter in every way then when I went in.

Later we went around the corner and bought our Christmas tree and a couple of wreaths.  The stand was so close that it only made sense for Barry and our son to walk up and drag it home after my daughter and I picked them out and paid.  When I told the tree seller that's what we would do, he insisted on throwing the tree in the back of his truck and bringing it right over.  It was a big tree and heavy, but he was so happy we'd bought a tree from him he was happy to help.

Small kindnesses.  Much appreciated.  I am holding them in my heart to drive the grumpies away...



Be the Change you want to see in the world.  One act at a time.  It really does make a difference and is important during this especially hectic month.

And yes, we got a lot more snow since Sunday morning...




Have a lovely Tuesday and stay safe out there!

48 comments:

  1. It's funny bc Xmas cheer is a bit tough ironically at this precise time. The crowds are out and wanting stuff. But I suppose we have to be patient. But that's why I do al my shopping by November bc the rush kills it otherwise for me...

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    1. You are smart! I am mostly done, but needed to mail these packages off and am always forgetful of the long lines!

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  2. Do you not have the self check outs at the post office? No one uses ours except me. No lines. I will get the Christmas stuff out tomorrow and decorate all by myself, sob. Do you watch Walking Dead? The mid season finale was a heartbreaker.

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    1. BB Canada Post has some express/ pre-print services for biz, but not much for consumers yet, like your mail.com and USPS.

      Solo decorating - think of it as getting ready for the returning troop?

      Hubs also gutted by Walking Dead, pun intended. Think baby is on bus?

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    2. BB, we don't have them yet, I can't even use the new at the supermarket, last week I queued behind 8 people with full trolleys to buy one yoghurt, I felt like the class idiot.

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    3. The supermarket self check-outs are increasing popular here; I love the weekend whip through when just buying a couple of items.

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    4. I hate the grocery store self checks. They make me feel very incompetent.

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    5. Barry swears every time he has to do through one!

      For some reason, I have completely missed the walking dead this season - I have no idea why! Will try to catch up on the reruns!

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    6. GF and BB. I think baby is on bus going wah, wah, wah and one we thought was dead will somehow not be. Trying not to spoil it for those who haven't watched it. I watched for the 2nd time last night trying to pay closer attention to the carnage. It is going to be a long time til February.

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    7. Celle, I do not believe dead until I see the body…or just the head.

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  3. BELLY OF THE WHALE WMM, don't know if this will make sense but I long ago explained to a science type (not M.) about having an Anne S. Jonah day and he said to remember that whales have an amazing spout, vocal skills, and travel in pods, are revered in Inuit creation myths etc. etc.
    Changed my perspective. That's what I try to do when a wave of the round-holiday blues hits too. Music always helps!

    Good on you for pulling out of the grump. Your round-the-corner tree sounds lovely and I love the snow-frosted one in photos. Stay content.

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  4. I'm going to have to go look up Jonah, I can't remember anything about his story. WMM I can't believe how beautiful it all is at yours, it's like a magical movie Christmas!
    Oh the Liberty of London programme was rubbish, turned over after 15 minutes.

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    1. Boo, at least didn't have to hear was an excellent troll through the archive. I want a Smythson or Bond St. type special too. But those emporiums likely to revered for camera invasion.

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    2. There are times it pays to know nothing about luxury brands!

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    3. Get Fresh - now that would be a good one, so much history too!

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  5. You are living in a Winter Wonderland! I can't wait to see your tree, well I'm hoping you'll share a picture with us? Thanks for this inspiration, I'll be remembering it as I go about my day today. I'll be back at the post office too, I do like to chat with the ladies there. I saw them much more often when I had my JCrew ordering habit, all of those returns!

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    1. Oh wait till you see my post tomorrow - it is a JCrew one!

      Pictures for sure. I need to clean my house too! We have dinner guests Friday night and it will all need an overhaul!

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  6. Oh, it looks so beautiful around your neck of the woods! I am feeling homesick and really missing the snow and pre-Christmas bustle. I've been getting all my online shopping done so there should be loads of packaging awaiting only wrapping & ribboning when I return. Thanks for the reminder to practice gratitude!

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    1. I have never had a Christmas outside of Canada and can only recall one non-snowy Christmas in my 50 years! I hope the snow lasts as it makes it much prettier!

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  7. Thanks for the reminder. Some days are just tough, but we need to work from within. Can't wait to see your tree. I bet it smells divine!

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    1. It just came in the house and it is pretty darn nice smelling!!!!!

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  8. Look at that snow! We are getting very cold weather this week, but we'll never see snow. ITA about bringing kindness and patience out with you during the holiday season. Well, anytime, really. Not only do you feel better, but it definitely comes back to you. Thanks for sharing that!

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    1. Thanks Gigi - it is my reminder for me really - I am going to be posting on gratitude all month now and then. Is a good reminder!

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  9. Hi Wendy,
    I think I'd just sit and look out at that tree all day. It's so pretty in your neck of the woods.

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    1. It is pretty nice! It is raining a bit right now and I hope it doesn't take all of our snow!

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  10. Thank you so much for this post. So true, especially at this time of year. My natural tendency is to get stressed out because of the holidays, but it is a good reminder to stay calm and take a deep breath. Kindness and patience pays back in spades! (PS. Can't believe how much snow you have out east! We had some snow in Toronto last week but it melted over the weekend with the rain.)

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    1. I always wonder if we aren't also all suffering from lack of sunlight? I am now counting the days till I drink Baileys with my morning coffee!!! Mimosas on Christmas day!

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  11. I find it helps me stay cheerful if I can be kind and pleasant to others. Sometimes you can really see it make a difference.

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  12. Oh, people really need cheering up at the post office - we took something there the other day, a small package airmail for Scotland. The clerk said it would be $70 - then, after my husband shrank back in horror, he checked again and said, 'no wait, it's $18!' My husband said, 'you do that deliberately, don't you, to make people think it's not so bad?' The clerk laughed. (The other week we sent a small package to Newfoundland - $16!)

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    1. I mailed something abroad yesterday and had to compose myself....

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  13. Hi Wendy. First snow is lovely. I am spending my day off trying to decorate. Sadly the 50+ city houses remain in the attic for another year. With our thanksgiving falling so late this year there just wasn't enough time to have the house decorated for fall and get those done too. Maybe next year. As it is, I will be working on the decor for at least a week. I really should pare it down but I just can't.
    2nd post office. Not sure about Canada but the US PO is the pinnacle of inefficiency. There is 1 clerk at our PO that is so busy trying to follow all the suggestive selling rules that it takes her 4 times longer to complete a transaction. I have pretended that I am on my phone and let others go ahead of me just so I don't have to deal with her.
    3rd you must watch the walking dead this season. It was breathtaking!
    GF and Blue Booby see my comments above!

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    1. You are too funny about the cell phone! Don't worry about that village - it is only good when it isn't a pain in the ass - my new mantra!

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  14. Thank you for posting this. I think that people are so quick to forget about this during this time of year with all the hustle and bustle of the consumer aspects of the holiday. Again, thank you for reminding me.

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    1. You are welcome Laura - I need the reminder most of all!

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  15. Such beautiful snowy pictures! I carry my tree home if the BF isn't around, but I find they don't weigh much if they're all bundled (and the trees are a little shorter these days for the cheapo ones!! It must look funny though!

    Smiles. it really does help sometimes! Though I was a mega grump yesterday, working until 9 pm at my overloaded desk, and nothing could help!

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    1. That is where alcohol is your friend and makes your response to those work tasks so "interesting"!

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  16. It is good to know that even you, who always seem so cheerful, can be disgruntled and frustrated at times (although I am sorry you felt that way). I've been working out some grumpies myself, am doing not badly with it. Glad you are feeling better!

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    1. Cate: I have a secret: I can be a grade A bitch. Ask Barry!!!!!

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  17. Yikes, snow already?! I'm debating whether or not to decorate for Christmas this year. It's seems Grinchy not to, but it's just the two of us, and we likely won't be here on Christmas day. Maybe the spirit will strike me this weekend. :)

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  18. Hey girl! Glad to hear! B&b and I were worried there haven't been any posts lately! No snow yet in MA?

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  19. I have taken to saying thank you to the bus drivers when I exit the bus. Drives them crazy.

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  20. oh i do believe in the smallest of kindnesses. they seem to have the biggest impact. i think it is the unexpected? maybe.

    i keep forgetting to tell you or maybe i have already but the everlane cashmere sweater got a whole lot softer after a bath in that wool and cashmere shampoo. i don't know if it was the shampoo or just the bath that did it.

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    1. That gives me hope! Perhaps after the holidays I will orde the correct size and wash it!

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  21. You spread a lot of joy in your blog. And for that I am grateful.

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Kindness is a virtue...