The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: Q3 in Review

 

You may have noticed September 30th has come and gone. I noticed that as well.

October 20th Me:  Oh, dear. Q3 came and went a month ago. I should be writing my review now. Instead, I'm writing up BSA No. 034. Wait, 034? I should have given out 75 awards by now! I don't even have 75 awards made! The wheels are FALLING OFF this project!

Wiser Kind Self:  Perhaps an extension will help? Your amended deadline gave you until the end of the year. What do you think about giving yourself a calendar year? You started the project on February 19, 2021. You could shoot for February 18, 2022 as the new deadline.

October 20th Me:  Yes. Yes, I could.

Then came Isaac's birthday.

Then came Thanksgiving.

Then, the deluge. 

From December 17th until January 8th we were preparing to travel, or traveling, or attending holiday events, or tending to sick kids and/or sick selves. Every. Single. Day.

January 13th Me: Oh, dear. I have 36 days to make 53 awards, then hand out and write up 54 awards. That amounts to 11 awards per week! Two or so per day, with one or two days for writing. I'll never finish in time! I have failed.

Wiser Kind Self: Waah, waah, waah. Take a breath, Debbie Downer. 

You're busy. Guess what? So is everyone else. Nobody made you take on this project. Nobody made you pack your schedule to the rafters. You chose these things. How about feeling grateful that you have this interesting creative endeavor? You can also feel grateful that you've learned a valuable lesson about time management and perhaps do something different next time, like scheduling time between plans to do absolutely nothing. Or, you can feel grateful that you had so much fun going places and seeing people! (You did enjoy yourself, right?) Or some combination of both.

Another thing: You have not failed. Keep going! Do your best! If you don't finish in time to hit the new deadline, so what? Finishing is enough. And remember, done is better than perfect. 

So quit yer whinin' and git to it!

January 13th Me: Uh, is this really my Wiser Kind Self? 'Cause it sounds more like my Wise Ass Self. 

Wise Ass Self: Hee hee! [makes speedy escape on tiny bicycle, wearing gorilla suit, gleefully honking old-timey horn]

January 13th Me: [shakes fist] Damn you, Wise Ass Self! I hate it when you're right.

Onward and upward, again.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 046

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Recipient:

Jason @ U-Haul on Santa Fe Drive

Jason had helped us procure a rental van and walked us outside to show us the location of the after-hours key drop. We turned to say thanks and goodbye. His mask was down around his chin -- fine, as we were in the great outdoors and more than six feet apart -- and I got an unobstructed view of that smile. It radiated a warmth that I could feel even from that distance and gave a noticeable lift to my spirits.

M: You have the most beautiful smile.

J: Thank you! I thank my mother for it every day.

Oh, my heart.

We were already running behind in our Craigslist-furniture-pickup errand so I had to hurryhurryhurry and write out the award, take the pictures, and scurry inside to hand it over. He said thank you and gave me not one but *two* hugs, which made my day.

He thanked me again as I headed out the door and said it made his day. I replied that it was all because of his big beautiful open smile, and he responded, "The world could use more of that!"

Damn. Straight.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 045

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Recipient:

Lynn @ A Likely Story Bookshop, Colorado Springs

Wandering into this bookshop was one of those happy accidents. If we hadn't decided to go back to that restaurant, if we hadn't decided to forego valet parking and park ourselves a couple blocks away rather than drive around and wait for a closer space, etc. Fortunately we did go back to Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe for another meal (so good!) and we did park a couple blocks away so that we were in a position to pass by the store. Or, *almost* pass by.

I loved this place as soon as I stepped foot inside. It's exactly what you want a bookshop to be: cozy and comfortable; chock full of books in a way that feels lively rather than claustrophobic; whimsically accessorized with unique gifts and other objects of delight wherever your eye lands. We also enjoyed talking with Lynn, the sparkling owner, who was welcoming and helpful.

Mike and I bought each other books for Christmas presents: This Is Your Mind On Plants by Michael Pollan for him, and The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking for me. Appropriate, as Lynn has created a place that exudes hygge. It is an oasis of comfort, well-being, and togetherness that makes one want to linger for days. On that day, it was balm for the soul, and I am grateful.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 044

Monday, December 20, 2021

Recipient:

Jason, our server @ Mother Muff's, Colorado Springs

 

Separated at birth!

Five Reasons Jason Gets A BSA and One Memorable Quote

1. Hilarious cackle-laugh

2. Beautiful bright blue eyes

3. Dead ringer for Yukon Cornelius

4. Excellent food recommendations

5. Kansas native, still retains accent after 12 years in Colorado
6. Openness, willing to chat about himself

"My mother blew up her speakers listening to Bing Crosby in her Chrysler!"

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 042, No. 043

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Recipients:

Melissa and Ana @ FedEx, Golden

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sometimes, it's the little things.

My client had something that needed to be shipped to arrive by the 22nd at the latest; I offered to run that errand before our meeting with the accountant. I could get there and back in time, right?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Somebody may have forgotten that Christmas was in nine days and FedEx would be swamped.

Gratitude, Parts One and Two

Part One: 

Melissa was there to help. She would periodically come out from behind the counter and ask the people waiting in line which services they needed. That way, the folks who had packages with preprinted labels could go to the drop off area, the folks who needed supplies could go to checkout, and the rest of us could continue to stand in the long (but not as long) line. Nobody would end up waiting only to find out they'd have to go elsewhere in the store to wait again. Nice!

Part Two:

Ana helped me work out the most logical service to purchase to be sure the envelope reached its destination in time. She maintained a cheerful good attitude despite the holiday rush, which she passed on to me. Lovely!

A burden lifted, thanks to these kind women.