The Joy of Waking Up Extra Early on a Sleep-In Day

It’s Sunday morning, one of my sleep-in days that I look forward to all week, and I’ve been up since 4:30.  A head cold + tons of items on my to-do list + a blank canvas + brand new sparkly acrylic paints = one very early riser!

Instead of tossing and turning and getting more and more frustrated, I got out of bed and embraced the day.  I made myself a cup of extra-strong Italian roast coffee (okay, two cups), went outside, walked around the garden, pet the cat for several minutes, listened to the robins sing (in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard), started a new painting with my sparkly paints, and put away the dishes.

As much as I enjoy sleeping in on the weekend, I have had the best morning.  I would gladly give up a few hours of sleep for a few hours of me-time – ANYTIME!  I can’t believe I’m saying this, since I have a toddler who thinks getting up at 6:30, instead of 6:00, counts as a sleep-in.  But I’m having the best day, and it’s only 7:15!

Early morning wake-ups rock my world!

And now, time to make another cup of delicious, extra-strong coffee.  Okay, two cups. 🙂

The Joy of Friends

Friends.  Not the TV show, not Facebook friends, but true friends that empower you, build you up, lend you a hand when you need it, give without expecting anything in return, and fill your heart with joy.

Friends, who after a long night of partying, walk you back to your dorm room and tuck you into bed, even though you threw up all over their shoes along the way.

Friends that take you to 7-11 at 2 a.m., because you absolutely have to have strawberry sparkle Laffy Taffy.

Friends that order french fries as their side dish, because they know how much you really want them, even though you went with the garden salad.

Friends who brave the absolute hell of Metrotown on a Friday night, so you can satisfy your frozen yogurt craving.

Friends that look after your little one so you can clean your house, or get your hair cut.

Friends that take you to Victoria for your 19th birthday, so you can see your latest crush’s band play.

Friends that regularly wrote you letters, which you still have to this day and will probably never throw away.

Friends that let you cry it out and don’t try to stop you.  The beet-red-face, can’t-even-talk, snot-running-like-Niagara Falls-cry-fests, because they know you simply need to let it out.

Friends that encourage you to try a different look, not because they want you to change, but because they think you’re beautiful, and want the entire world to know it.

Friends that do your make-up and hair for your family reunion, because they know how shattered your confidence is, and want more than anything for you to feel like a goddess.

Friends that encourage you to make time for your passions, because they know that doing what you love is the best kind of medicine.

To all of my true friends out there, new friends and old friends, thank-you for your warmth, encouragement and love over the years.  Know that I am truly blessed to call you my friends, and that I think of you often.  Thank-you for accepting my many quirks, for listening to my struggles, and for all your support.

Much love to you all!