1. The sun's out.
2. It's been a good week at work.
3. The caravan parks have reopened.
For years now I've written three happy points at the end of every day. Partly as a diary to remember what's been happening and partly as an exercise in thankfulness . At times, when it's been a struggle to just write just one thing, I'll remember a really good cup of coffee. Or an unexpected smile from someone. And have that as one of my points. On other really good days I give up on the three point principle and write as many as I like.
This week's been one of those weeks. Full of multi-pointy days.
After a weekend of being laid low with a stomach bug, Monday morning came as an unexpected resurrection. Possibly because of the enforced rest. Possibly due to a timely conversation that lifted the weight of a lot of things. And possibly because of the sun.
It's been a tough few months, waking up to cold, dark mornings. Leaving for work at 7.15am most weekday mornings. Sometimes scraping off the ice on the windscreen, inside and out. It's felt like an uphill struggle at times. So when the sun starts making an appearance before I've even got out of bed, it definitely feels like easier days are ahead. Happy point number one.
And work. Having not had any all of last year, I'm really thankful to have work now that's fun and fulfilling and helps pay our way. So glad it's not falling all on Gav to keep us going too. Since January I've been doing some community work in the Boulevard area of Hull. Covering for someone who's on Sabbatical, helping with a breakfast club, youth club, Mums and Tots group, parents walking group and women's sewing cooperative. Plus I've recently got some work at Beverley College, supporting students with learning difficulties.
As much as I love being around people, it gets tiring. On one level my work's simple. It's about turning up and just being present and available to people. On another though, there's a lot going on. And sometimes when I get home I just want to disappear into a box-set, under the duvet, and preserve my energy until the next day. Especially when it's dark and cold outside.
This week has been different though. Rather than feeling drained, I've felt topped up by being among people. Having a laugh, sharing stories, listening, playing musical statues with the kids, making paper boxes at youth club and drinking hot chocolate together. Taking students to Greggs to get their lunchtime meal deals and chatting together in the college refectory. Ending the week with a series of quizzes about Star Wars, Marvel films and pop music from the past few years.
Whether it's the weather, the ease and familiarity that comes from keeping turning up and being present or just having properly rested last weekend, it's been a good week at work. Happy point number two.
And so to number three, the caravan parks are open again!!! Having closed at the end of October last year. The thought occurred to me on Friday, just after work, so I made enquiries and hallelu, Withernsea Sands (our favourite at £12 per night) re-opened to campervans this very weekend. So I booked us in for a couple of nights. And here we are now. All plugged in and smelling clean and wonderful.
It just makes life a little bit easier, knowing there's places where we can go when we need a proper rest. Where we can have a few beers knowing we don't need to drive anywhere soon. Where we can shower as often as we like. Where I can dye my hair if needed (roots looking OK for the now). Where I can write this on my laptop without having to worry about battery power. And where we can empty the loo, fill up the water tank and be on our way, refreshed and ready for the week.
Happy days.
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