Things that are making me happy

1. Lemon Lavender candle from The Yankee Candle Co. - Because the dog spent Sunday morning puking. Lots of it. Until she finally heaved up a 10" piece of rope that had mysteriously gone missing a couple of weeks ago. After all that, I needed something to lift my spirits (and mask the various unpleasant smells) and the candle performed beautifully.

BTW, all 3 missing pieces of rope are now accounted for and I am amazed at the power of the labrador physiology. After all, could *you* send two pieces of rope - one an astounding 10" long - completely through *your* digestive and excretory systems? I didn't THINK so!

And yes, Mr. at Home bought for me the largest Lemon Lavender candle they sell. I love my wonderful husband!

2. The Miss Julia books by Ann B. Ross. - Because they are well-written, lighthearted, and make me laugh because I can just hear some of the older women I've known saying exactly the phrases that come out of Miss Julia's mouth. Whether or not you know what "step-ins" are, you would love these books.

3. My library card - Because after carrying a large fine for a long time (forgot about a couple of movies), I finally "got it out of hock" and can use it again. I've got 3 books checked out and 3 more waiting for me. My evenings are booked for the foreseeable future.

(Get it? booked? Cause I'll be reading books? I crack myself up.)

4. A new couch - Because Mr. at Home has "been cured of buying cheap futons" as he said and we actually found a couch we could both agree on. That was in our price range (because it was the deeply discounted floor sample). That is now sitting in our loft. It has the chaise end I wanted and the dissassembles-into-small-pieces-that-can-be-easily-carried-upstairs factor that Mr. at Home insisted on. Heck, he brought it home in our minivan. It is very comfy and we really like it.

5. The Olympics start Friday!! - Because I love to watch the winter games. We got Cool Runnings to tide us over until the real action starts and I think it's now K's favorite movie.

For the next 4 weeks, I'm going to be parked on that new couch with a book or the remote flipping between Olympic events while bathed in the scent of lemon lavender. Yep, it's a hard life I lead, but you're welcome to come join me anytime.