Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey

Happiness is home decorating…

Author: thenicknick

I’ve been stressed mostly since last weekend.  And it’s not a good look for me.  Really.

Since I don’t like being unhappy, I try to find things to be happy about.  I focus on plans and projects.  It has always worked to get me over the hump and into a better place.

This time was no different.  While we were hanging out with Lonnie and Lindsay last weekend, we ran to the store to pick up some breakfast supplies and I paused.  How long had I been talking about making an herb garden?  We had the fountain to re-purpose.  We had a plan to move it outside.  All I needed was dirt and herbs.

There, in front of me, was an herb display.  There was mint, and basil, and Italian parsley, and dill, and cilantro…all in nice little pots, begging to be planted.  So, I bought them.

That night, in fact, was the night that I encouraged Lindsay to work on the graffiti for the work bench.  She had done HIS name in marker during our breakup and with all of us back together, I thought it was time to finish it.  So, while I was laying on the couch out there, icing my ankle and while the guys were playing pool, Lindsay was tagging the workbench.

When she showed me the results in the morning…I nearly cried.  She had done a wonderful job.  And she had left tons of space for Rachel to add her touches.  Rachel is also highly creative and very artistic.  While other parents are coaching their kids to be doctors and lawyers, I’m pushing Rachel toward something that will incorporate her skills and abilities…hence the ’sure, you can be a tattoo artist’ discussion.

The kids returned home from a weekend with their father and Rachel set to work on adding her doodles and designs to the bench.  It is filling out really nicely.  And so I figured it was time to add some color.

This may take a while.  I don’t mind.  Some of my happiest moments last night were when HE moved the fountain outside and Rachel and I planted the herbs.  And then I was happier still when Rachel and I worked on painting the some of the workbench.  Keenan came out and I encouraged him to paint his name.  I wanted him to feel included.  And right about that time HE came home from dinner at Bojangles.

(I’m the only woman in the world who can serve Caribbean jerk pork chops, Parmesan risotto, and Pacific salad for dinner and not get offended when the man of the house leaves to eat dinner at Bojangles.  Seriously.)

HIM: You’re painting it?

me: Yup.

HIM: Looks good.

And he stared at the project we were working on.  HE likes it.  He really does.  He likes that I come up with all these ideas and follow through with them.  He likes that when I say I’m going to do something, I do it.  He likes the way the house is turning out, coming together. There are some projects that may never be finished, thanks to Bishop.

For example, studies have shown that pet owners have to plant three times as many plants when gardening as other gardeners to achieve the same results.  Okay, it is my study.  So far, Bishop has eaten both of my blueberry bushes, dug up my monkey grass (liriope), and I’m still stinging over losing the cool purple and white flowers.  He broke off the tallest stalk from my foxglove.  We’re not exactly bffs right now.  I thought we needed to have a talk.

me: Bishop, it’s a good thing you’re cute because when your looks go, you’re dead.

HIM: Aw, he’s a good dog most of the time.

me: You know, given that the last few things he’s ruined should have really upset you, I’m rather surprised at your response.

HIM: Which things?

me: The pool kit…my workout DVD…

HIM: Oh, that.  Bad Bishop!  I have to look at mommy!

We laughed.  And I seriously doubt that pup gets it.

All I know is that as I continue to have to plant…I’m leaning towards things with thorns.  That’ll teach him.

As for the work bench, I can’t wait to show you when it’s all done.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 at 6:59 am and is filed under Happiness is.... You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.