Good things

Welcome to Rivetergirl's Thursday edition of "Things that are Good."

I run around daily frantically driving from place to place, going to work, driving kids to school, going to class, going to band practice, going to yoga, blah, blah and yet I rarely pay attention to the effect this all has on me.

Everyday it's something to do, some place to be. We are a very busy family.

And you know what? What we have going on this semester, is very good for me. Finally.

Last year sucked. Too many bad things that were out of our control happened. This year, especially this semester, has been really good for my little family, but mostly for me.

I feel good ... naw, I feel great. That's a very unusual thing for me to say. I focus so often on the things that suck.

So, I'm going to take a moment here and list the good stuff:

Mar is doing great in school. She's in trouble way less. She's reading way above her kindergarden level. She's learning to ski and loving it. She sings along when I listen to Eddie Spaghetti's CDS over and over. And she has a great sense of humor (which is a relief because I have no patience for people who have no sense of humor).

Sean, my 15-year-old step son, is an inspiration. He's getting straight As in high school while taking a full load of advanced placement classes and plays different instruments in three school bands. He plays guitar like he was born with it in his hand — although this sometimes makes me a little ill. Plus, he's a cool person to have around. My only regret is that we only have him with us a couple days a week.

My band is gelling like Magellan. Kelley, our new singer, has brought so much. We have a renewed vigor that feels awesome. We're writing new songs that kick ass — last night we even began working on a song that I wrote the hook for ... Woo, go me! I'm very excited about our future. Playing music was never so much fun.

I'm so lucky that Laurena asked me to share in her dream to start a band those two years ago.

One of the things that I regret is that we don't have family here in Shale City. But we've been so fortunate to fill that gap with the most wonderful group of friends. They are our family here and we are so lucky for that. I love them all so.

My husband is so amazing (is her ever!). I couldn't imagine my life without him — really, I've added so many wonderful thing to my life because of him. Plus, look how cute he is.

And I'm really very thankful that, after a very long year, my parents are finally well enough to travel and come for a visit. I have missed them desperately and have been consumed by worry. They have given so much to me in my 35 years and I only hope that I can give a fraction back to them.

They are an inspiration. Next month, two days after Bill and I celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary, my mom and dad will be celebrating their 40th anniversary — and that is something to feel great about.