The Heart of Life

Happiness

"Happiness lies for those who cry, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives."

Just as Sweet

So I've been thinking that I want to rename the blog. When I started it, I stuck "Mike and Cindi" on top until I could think up something more clever and then promptly found more important things to do. My archive tells me that Mike and I will have been keeping the blog for four years on January 14. And still no title. We started this blog before we were married, for pity's sake!

But what do we call it? That is the question. I want something catchy and/or clever. Any ideas?

Not Yet

Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.- St Augustine

...Go I...

Tonight we fed the homeless. Ok, so I don't really know that he was homeless - but he was begging for money outside of CVS pharmacy where I made Mike take me to buy some medicine to treat a cold sore that I have inside of my lip. I suppose it is more accurate to say that we fed someone less fortunate.

After five years in the city, we can automatically identify those who are going to ask for money. Mike warned me when I got out to run into the store that he was standing by the door. He asked me for money, but I had no cash and apologetically told him that I couldn't help. He thanked me.

As I came out of the store and got into the car, Mike asked me if I wanted anything from McDonald's. Since we had recently had a big talk about "fiscal responsibility" and eating at home, I was surprised that he was wanting to stop for fast food. On top of which, it was after 10 p.m. - long past our dinnertime. I said that I wasn't hungry and asked if he was.

"No." He said, "I'm getting that guy a burger."

Mike went into McDonald's and came out with a value meal and a large coffee, which we took back and dropped off with the appreciative recipient.

If this last year has taught me anything, it is an appreciation for the precarious situation in which a majority of us find ourselves. A year ago, I would have looked at that guy and been irritated because I knew that he was going to ask me for money. I might even have entered through another door to try and avoid an awkward encounter - but tonight I looked at him, as I now look at nearly everyone who asks me for money - and I thought, "There but for the grace of God..."

Both Mike and I were lucky enough to survive job lay-offs at our jobs last year. So many people were not as fortunate. It's not black and white. Where would I be if I didn't have a supportive family and I lost my job? Maybe I'd be begging for money outside of CVS in a snow storm. It could be me. Or you.

Someone recently (jokingly) told me that I might as well have a sign on my forehead because if I have money and am asked, I will generally give it away. Not large amounts - a dollar here or there. I don't care. Today Mike did something nice for our fellow man and that makes me feel really good.

Beatitude

"A little drowsing cat is an image of a perfect beatitude." - Jules Champfleury

Watching 'Steven Seagal: Lawman'

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Mike has had a very bad day.

It started when we were driving to work today. The "Low Tire Pressure" light came on. Then the new Health Commissioner canceled the inspection that he was going to do with the Mikster today. (No big whoop there - but it denotes a pattern.)

Then he somehow managed to lock his keys in the trunk. Our conversation about this event went something like this:

Cindi: So, Houdini - you wanna tell me how you managed to lock your keys in the trunk?
Mike: No.

Then he called and I was working late, so he had to wait to see which train I would be coming home on. Once I called him, he left to pick me up. I arrived and he wasn't waiting for me. I called and found out that he'd had a flat tire (remember the low tire pressure light?) about a block away from where the train stopped.

By the way, he's not very pleased about me taking pictures of him changing the flat. That and the fact that he's forced to kneel in mud to change the tire in one of his favorite pair of pants.

On the plus side, I scrubbed out his pant legs once we got home and the mud didn't set and stain. Go me!

Man, I hope tomorrow's a better day.