I love planning ahead and having fun things to look forward to. However there is something special about things that happen spontaneously. For me it’s easier to remember or pay attention to unexpected annoyances or hardships that come without warning, but it’s also true that sometimes there is a lot of good that comes into life unexpectedly. The enjoyment you get from these moments is special because it surprises you! For me this feeling holds whether the surprising event or item is big or small.
A few recent unplanned good things:
* Going to the beach on Veteran’s Day. We had to scrap our camping trip because my daughter was sick, but fortunately she bounced back quickly. We ended up having a day off with no plans and got to enjoy a morning at the beach. It was a little cold, but I love going to the beach in the fall. It’s way less crowded than in the summer months, and it’s an immense privilege to get to live so close to the beach that you can visit all year long. The kids are always so happy splashing in the water and playing in the sand, and it was such a nice moment on a free day.
*Hanging out with neighbors. We are really lucky to have lots of neighbors we get along with, and many of them have children. We hosted an impromptu playdate yesterday, and frequently the kids like to play in other neighbors' yards too. Having friends in the neighborhood is often a source of unexpected joy on ordinary days.
*Books that surprise you. I received a book in the mail as a (very early) birthday present from Joel’s aunt. Later that day, I left my kindle in my toddler’s room while she was napping. I was so bummed because I really wanted to finish my book, but I ended up picking up my new book and being hooked. The book is A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez. I had no knowledge of this book prior to picking it up, but it’s a novel in verse set in San Diego about a court trial to stop the segregation of Mexican-American students. It was a quick, immersive read about a history that I knew very little of, and it was all the more gripping given our geographical proximity to the story, which is set about 10 minutes from our house. I think I enjoyed the book more because it was a gift and I went into it blind. Similarly, I just started reading Three Days in June by Anne Tyler, which I picked up from the new release section at the library and am loving it. It feels like the inverse experience of going to see an acclaimed movie, or read a book you’ve heard so many good things about only to be disappointed. There’s something fun about going into an experience with no expectations.
Have there been any unexpectedly good things in your life lately?
A few recent unplanned good things:
* Going to the beach on Veteran’s Day. We had to scrap our camping trip because my daughter was sick, but fortunately she bounced back quickly. We ended up having a day off with no plans and got to enjoy a morning at the beach. It was a little cold, but I love going to the beach in the fall. It’s way less crowded than in the summer months, and it’s an immense privilege to get to live so close to the beach that you can visit all year long. The kids are always so happy splashing in the water and playing in the sand, and it was such a nice moment on a free day.
*Hanging out with neighbors. We are really lucky to have lots of neighbors we get along with, and many of them have children. We hosted an impromptu playdate yesterday, and frequently the kids like to play in other neighbors' yards too. Having friends in the neighborhood is often a source of unexpected joy on ordinary days.
*Books that surprise you. I received a book in the mail as a (very early) birthday present from Joel’s aunt. Later that day, I left my kindle in my toddler’s room while she was napping. I was so bummed because I really wanted to finish my book, but I ended up picking up my new book and being hooked. The book is A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez. I had no knowledge of this book prior to picking it up, but it’s a novel in verse set in San Diego about a court trial to stop the segregation of Mexican-American students. It was a quick, immersive read about a history that I knew very little of, and it was all the more gripping given our geographical proximity to the story, which is set about 10 minutes from our house. I think I enjoyed the book more because it was a gift and I went into it blind. Similarly, I just started reading Three Days in June by Anne Tyler, which I picked up from the new release section at the library and am loving it. It feels like the inverse experience of going to see an acclaimed movie, or read a book you’ve heard so many good things about only to be disappointed. There’s something fun about going into an experience with no expectations.
Have there been any unexpectedly good things in your life lately?
Oooh I really liked Three Days in June. I was just talking to my writing friend yesterday about Anne Tyler and mentioned that book.
ReplyDeleteI liked Three Days in June! And I also appreciated that it was relatively short. These days having a book that packs a punch in fewer pages always feels like an unexpected delight.
ReplyDeleteI love unexpected surprises. So happy you got to go to the beach (that's always special!) and yay for good neighbors!
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ReplyDeletethese are great surprise good things! (my previous comment was misspelled)
ReplyDeleteGood neighbors are SO important, especially when you have kids! It's nice that everyone gets along and your kids have other kiddos to play with. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree - discovering a book that you know nothing about and liking it? What a win. I don't read that many books, and I really rely on people's recommendations. Living near the beach is amazing. (Or so I believe it would be). I'm envious of your great neighbors. We've never really had that, but growing up we always had the best neighbors and I wonder if it's sort of the sign of the times.
ReplyDeleteI meant to answer your question: Last night Coach managed to get home on an earlier flight. That was great news.
DeleteOh I love when a book is something I have no clue about and surprises me.
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