Very Rare Play Day

Having worked every weekend (sometimes all three days) for more than the past three months, I finally had a Saturday off, yesterday, although I did work Friday and then again today. I am so unused to this I almost didn't know what to do with myself! I went grocery shopping and then spent a few hours at an antiques show. I went last year and did not buy any of the glassware I collect because I was so worried about the finances. I remember telling myself a year ago that things would be better in the future, and that I would be able to afford some purchases when I returned this year.

I did get some items (after cutting a very good discount with one of the dealers). I would have liked to have been able to have gotten some of the larger and more rare pieces but again I told myself that next year it'll be better and hopefully I'll be able to get one then (something sure to look forward to).

Collecting my glassware gives me tremendous pleasure and I enjoyed talking to the antique dealers. I met a woman who has a large amount of my glassware which she sells in an antique mall as well as out of her home. It is good to have somewhat of a local source that I can go to in the future.

Despite our still perilous financial situation I allowed myself these purchases as a birthday gift - I turn 50 at the end of August and believe that surviving half a century deserves some award/recognition. I have also bought no clothing items in a year or much of anything for myself so felt a little less guilty for spending some money at the show. I've been able to pick up some pieces throughout the year when I come across them - my rule is that I'll get them if they are under $20.00 and most have only been about $10.00.

Anyway, it felt wonderful to browse at the show even though I was by myself. Last year that really upset me - I didn't even think about much it this year since I was having so much fun.

In the evening, despite great complaining by my oldest who wanted the car, I went out to dinner with my guy friend and his son. That was also very nice - just to be treated and waited on for a change. It was a casual place but the food (turkey melt, fries and side salad) were pretty darn tasty, especially after a fancy drink cocktail that was the evening's special. My guy friend indulged me in listening to me talk about the glassware I collect and looking at the pieces I purchased. I think I caught him yawning but I'll give him a break for that!

It was such a rare day to spend completely on myself (they are so few and far between with work and caring for the boys). As hard as it is, I have to start carving out more time for myself. My guy friend noticed my mood was much lighter and he also noted how much happiness I get from my little glassware collection. Just looking at it makes me smile! The rainbow of bright, cheery colors! My ex-husband got the collection we established together per our divorce agreement (over 100 pieces) but I now have 18 of my own! Part of the fun of going to antique shops, garage sales, etc. is in the hunt for a new piece. And there are plenty of the lower cost pieces out there to find - I don't need to spend $100.00. I kind of get a high from the searching and then bargaining process. It is also how I feel about knitting, my other passion. So I will really, really try to make an effort to incorporate both of those interests more frequently in my life.

Today at work I got through the eight hours much more easily (it was still hard) no doubt to having had a rare day of play.

Today I am grateful:

1. For the pretty much perfect summer day weather on Friday and again today.
2. For Queen Anne's Lace flowers by the side of the road.
3. For the folks who live in town and plant Sunflowers in their front yards!
4. For how the flowers and trees have that settled/mature summer look right now (at their peak).
5. That the three pound of ground turkey I made up into sloppy Joe's and tacos lasted all weekend and even through tonight. It is such a blessing to come home after working on my feet eight hours and not having to cook except to heat something up.