Five Things On My Mind

1. What a fantastically gloomy day it was today. I love rainy days. Not drizzle, not mist, but the kind of rain that will clean your car, wash your windows, feed your plants, and cool the burning hot asphalt all at the same glorious time.

2. I want a swimming pool. Our neighbor made a tragic mistake yesterday by giving us a tour of his backyard at our Memorial Day block party. It was like stepping into another universe. Outside his fence - acres of dry, brittle pasture. Inside his fence, a gorgeous lush lawn with tropical plants and a gorgeous swimming pool with a bubbling hot tub and a diving board that whispered for me to jump in.

3. I have fabulous neighbors. We live in a tiny country town where it's common practice to wave hello as we pass one another, but sadly less common to actually KNOW one another. Of course I always knew that behind those brick walls and shutters, actual human beings were living their lives but to actually meet and speak to one another was embarassingly lovely. Life is too short not to know your neighbors.

4. I want to go on vacation. Where? I have no idea. We went to NYC twice last year, so am I crazy for craving another visit? I think I am. I've been longing to go to Europe, but if we ever go, one week won't be enough. Two, three...maybe. Can we afford to spend three weeks in Europe? No. Or how about flying to San Diego, renting a car, and driving up the coast to another favorite city of ours, Seattle. It's about 1300 miles of mind blowing beauty, but 1300 miles with gas at $4 a gallon? I don't think so. Oh well.

5. I'm insanely sleepy but I know that the moment I close my laptop and lay my face on the pillow, my brain will go into torture mode by hurling thoughts, to-do lists, memories, and dialogues at me at warp speed. I could read my book (Traveling Light by Max Lucado) but I'm afraid turning on the light will wake my slumbering husband and he's exhausted and needs sleep. Maybe I'll stay awake and Google my not-gonna-happen-this-year European vacation.