STOP THE PRESSES--TWO GREAT DAYS IN A ROW

 STOP THE PRESSES: TWO GREAT DAYS IN A ROW! 

Does that reference mean anything anymore?  My first actual job was working at a newspaper (Daily Review) when I was 12 years old. I was the last person (I think) to ever sell newspapers outside a subway station (Hayward BART) think Newsies.  The Late Dennis Richmond always bought a paper from me on his way to host the KTVU Newscast.  Then I worked at the actual newspaper stuffing advertising inserts together for the Sunday paper.  I had a good work ethic when I was 12-14.  I knew my dad was rich, but I didn’t want to be considered the spoiled Rich Kid so I worked as hard as I could to save up for a nice car.  The car wound up being a used 1982 Camaro.  So Stop the Presses might be a phrase from a bygone era that younger generations might not know about. Phrases that might include “Don’t Touch that Dial”, “Hang up the phone,” or “Be Kind Rewind”   So I am burying the lead (Another bygone phrase).  I had a second consecutive great day.  It sure felt good.  What made the great day even sweeter is that my 11 year old had a great day as well.  She loves hanging out with me and we are certainly bonding.  

I went to a meeting this morning, which I’m really enjoying and is incredibly healthy for me.  After I came home and made homemade breakfast egg, bacon, cheese ciabattas for us to have.  Afterwards we took the dog on an hour-long walk down Crabtree creek trail.  We have just been enjoying each other’s company so much.  I think she enjoys being treated as an only child.  Then we went to re-watch the movie that we tried to watch last night when the alarm went off.  Halfway through the movie she leaned over and put her head on my arm and we cuddled.  My heart melted.  I don’t know how many times I’ll be able to experience that sweet innocence and affection in the future.  I am savoring each and every moment.  My youngest does it a lot, but not the middle child.  I was just in heaven.  We both really enjoyed the movie (Predator: Badlands)  She and I like watching action movies together.  We agreed that the movie was kind of like an Ugly Avatar.  

After the movie we rushed to Costco to buy pizza for the Funniest Person in the Triangle.  After a slow start, people just kept coming and coming.  By the end of the night we had our largest turnout this year at more than 25 including the owner who brought his family.  More importantly, it was really funny.  Everyone seemed to have a great time and hopefully they’ll be motivated to come back next week.  When only a few people show up, it creates a lot of pressure on me to make sure everyone is entertained.  But when they show up in droves like tonight, the performers feed off the energy of the crowd and it motivates the performers, even me.  It makes it so much more fun for everyone involved.  She and I came home after and split a McD’s French Fry for dessert.  As soon as we got home she excused herself to bed.  She took a shower (On her own) and put herself to bed by 9:45.  She was worn out.  It was an incredibly fulfilling day.  But what made it even more special is that she expressed how much she enjoyed the day and the show as well.  She is a brilliant improv performer and I say that objectively and honestly.  The stuff that kid comes up with is brilliant.  Her confidence as an 11 year old also gives some adults the confidence to perform.    I’m so looking forward to another day with her tomorrow.  I just love hanging out with her.  She is pretty cool and I’m pretty lucky.  I think the tide of grief might finally be turning.  I’m certain there will be difficult days ahead where I desperately miss my family again.  But I’m hoping those days become fewer and far between.  From last week I had two bad days, three good ones and two great ones.  From where I’ve been, I’ll take that distribution any week of the year.  What’s even more impactful is that even in the bad days I still have peace and joy.  So right now, I’m filled with circumstantial happiness in addition to joy.  I’m not sure how long this wave of hope and contentment will last but I’m savoring it and going to ride that wave as long as I can.  Life is really good for me right now.  I’ll do whatever I can to keep this train moving in the right direction.  God is faithful and I’m seeing played out in my life in real time.