Simple Joys of the Week, August 17th Edition

I almost didn't have it in me to write a blog post today. It was another really hard week around here; one of the toughest in a long time.

In fact, when I think back on this summer, I realize it's been a pretty hard one for us, in general. Life has thrown quite a few challenging blows our way since June, and sometimes it's really hard to keep going with the basics--especially the optional responsibilities like writing SJOTW every Friday--when life is so emotionally-draining.

But then I sat down to see what would come out when I started writing and I realized, hey, even though this week was tough there was [as usual!!!] still so much to be thankful for. Especially simple things. So here goes...

HEAR: Bluetooth in my NEW car 
We found out late last week that my car was done (for us). We've put enough $$ into it in the past few years that we had decided if and when it needed a ton more work, we would cut our losses and just get a new one. That time finally came last week, so last weekend, we went and got me a new car (more on that below!). One of my *very* favorite things about my new car? The bluetooth. I've never had bluetooth before and it's a game-changer. From listening to podcasts, to playing Charlie Mae's favorite music, to talking on the phone, it's the BEST. 

SEE: Leslie Patricelli Board Books
If you have a toddler, you must have some of these books. You probably already do, but if you don't, get some immediately. They're some of my absolute favorites; I love the illustrations, I love the simplicity, I love the humor, and I love what they teach Charlie Mae. Sara (Starr Struck's very own!) sent us a package with 3 more hand-me-down Patricelli books yesterday and it was so fun reading these new books at bedtime last night. 

TASTE: Burrito from our FAVORITE burrito place [that I thought had closed!!!! Shout-out Mi Pueblo!]
Earlier this summer, I went to our favorite burrito place on their last week of being open. They confirmed that it was their last week when I sadly picked up our to-go order, and that was that. We've been missing it ever since. But yesterday, we were near it's old location and hungry, and Ben said that he wanted to double-check that they were really, truly closed (I assured him they were). But they weren't!!! We were THRILLED! Somehow they were able to stay open through the summer, so we got burritos yesterday and they were just as tasty as ever. Burritos FTW!

SMELL: New car
As I've already mentioned, I got a new car this week. But what I haven't mentioned? I've never had a new car. Not a single one in my entire life--every car I've ever driven has been a family hand-me-down or used (in fact, Ben and I did a whole podcast episode about this years ago. You can listen here). But this time, I got a new car and it feels SO special! I keep telling Ben that I feel like I look so flashy driving around in it and he has to remind me that it's the world's most basic car (a white Toyota RAV4) and that I look very normal and completely blend-in. Haha! Anyways, it's so fun + it's got that new car smell which is really something when your old car smelled like stale cheerios and sunscreen...

TOUCH: Charlie Mae snuggles
I know I talk about Charlie Mae snuggles all of the time, but this week, she really did make everything so much better. I feel so lucky to be her parent. I feel so lucky that she's ours. I've found that as a parent, whenever you get devastating family news, looking at your wondrous child who is unaware and just wants you to play with her and snuggle her helps you reconnect with just how lucky you are to have what you do have, and keeps you going in a way that you might not if you didn't have your child. She really is the best.

I hope I don't sound too cryptic and annoying in today's post...just like when were dealing with the Sayde tragedy earlier this summer (BTW, we're *still* looking for a home for her if you have any leads!), when it was fresh and I was still processing everything, I wasn't ready to talk about it here. But eventually, I was able to. Same goes for this recent sadness--I promise I'll talk about it eventually, I'm just not ready to yet.

If nothing else, I hope that today's post reminds you that even when life hits you with a big blow, there are still many glimmers of joy to be found (especially if you just happen to buy a new car that very same week, HAHAHAHA).

Thanks for keeping me positive by showing up here to read, and thus, keeping me showing up and reflecting on my SJOTW. 

I hope your weekend is a lovely one!