Remember how I bragged about how AWESOME Friday was? Well, apparently the universe didn't like my bragging, because this was how I started my day.
I've got a bruised and swollen knee from slamming up against the steering wheel column, and my beloved van "Goldie" is broken.
So, my husband left work to come help me, and on the way to pick me up, the tire in our OTHER van blew out.
REALLY, UNIVERSE? Really?!
All I had to say is thank goodness for AAA and helpful in-laws. It was an absurd chain of events for sure.
I spent the rest of the day taking care of this sick little buddy.
Just when I was starting to feel REALLY sorry for myself , two things happened. First, my lovely mother-in-law swept in with a bazillion groceries, did all the dishes in my sink, and offered to come back with dinner. Her thoughtfulness and generosity is endless, and very much appreciated on days like today! Thanks, Gayle!
The second thing was this:
I looked down at my wrist and took note of the CHOOSE JOY bracelets from Ashley of Lil Blue Boo. If you're not familiar with Ashley or her story, start here. And then here. And take some tissues with you because her story and her spirit will move you to tears.
Noticing those bracelets on my wrist reminded me that, despite my broken car and banged up knee and sick baby, I could still CHOOSE JOY. So, I'm trying to do just that.
And in the spirit of spreading a little joy, I'm going to give away three of my bracelets. Just leave me a comment on this post, and I'll choose winners Friday night.
Oh, I could so use that little reminder. I've been following LBB, too. Really puts things in perspective when things seem to not be going my way.
ReplyDeletealiben7 (at) gmail (dot) com
I look forward to Ashley's posts each day for a good laugh and a little perspective.
ReplyDeleterebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com
Oh, I love that you follow Ashley too! I adore her-- and I've been meaning to order some bracelets! Oops. I did get in my pre-order for the "Fear Will Not Rule" shirt. I can't wait to wear it way more often than is probably healthy to wear one shirt. Hmm...maybe I need two. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, I totally would love one of those bracelets! And I only need one...you can give the other two to someone else. Ashley is an inspiration to me every day...Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI too follow Ashley's posts every day! She is such an amazing inspiration. Choose Joy certainly is a good reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteHope tomorrow is a better day!
katepalmer17(at)gmail(dot)com
I have to say, sometimes I'm grateful I have days when it all seems to pile on top of me at once - at least it means there might be a few days coming up which will be trouble free! Otherwise I might end up with one crappy thing happening everyday!
ReplyDeleteI love Ashley and follow her posts every day. Choose Joy runs through my head many times a day thanks to her - she is spreading a revolution in how we respond to life.
Would love to have a little reminder on my wrist...
...and thanks for your post - hope your week improves!
I am so sad and so thankful for Ashley. I wish that she did not have to go through everything that she has. however, I know that her "choose joy" mantra has changed my outlook, as well as that of others I know. I have had a day like yours before... went out to leave and found a flat tire, so a friend picked me up so I could go to my husband's work and drive his truck. Then, the transmission blew on his truck like 5 miles down the interstate. It can be hard to choose joys on days like that.
ReplyDeleteDesi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
Ahhh, we've all had those days and it's nice to be thankful for a Mom in law too! Thanks for the reminder to "choose Joy" no matter what the day did!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you chose joy today! I am thankful for the chance to win one.
ReplyDeletebonnie0920 @ gmail . Com
Oh dear! thank goodness for people like your mother-in-law!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to choose joy too!
Oh what a day! But I'm happy he turned out well. Prayers for Ashley. Thanks for the chance to win. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey
Tissues indeed! That is quite the story....life is unfair sometimes, but I try to remember to choose joy, too. Though somedays I admit I choose moping and chocolate ;) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletep.s. my van has a boo boo, too!
So sorry about your poor Goldie! I am searching for a new(to me)vehicle right now as mine was totaled last Thursday. Choosing Joy not gloom, no one was hurt and it's just a car!
ReplyDeleteLove LBB, Ashley is so inspiring! Thanks for the shot at winning.
Cute bracelets. I love the purple. fathers_angel@yahoo.ca
ReplyDeleteI have spent almost my entire morning at work reading Ashley's blog and every single post from her Cancer Chronicle. Her attitude and outlook are amazing and the battle she is fighting against this cancer makes my own problems in life seem so insignificant. I am so inspired to Choose Joy more and more every day. Just love the purple bracelet reminder. Glad to hear it was only your van hurt and none of you. :)
ReplyDeleteI had a rough day, too. It is nice to have little reminders!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Poor you and your family! What a perfect day to "Choose Joy"
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of Ashley's for a while now and every time i read a blog post I have to grab tissues. I am in awe of her.
I have been trying to "CHoose Joy" and could really use a visual reminder to do so.
totally crappy day. I hear you. I love the bracelets b/c its my new year's resolution--i too could use a visual reminder!
ReplyDeleteamymwikali (at) gmail.com
Crappy day but could be crappier. I keep reminding myself that it could be worse. My dad just finished chemo in December and he was on the same drug Ashley is currently taking. It's a real ass kicker and I cannot believe how strong she stays.
ReplyDeleteChoose Joy - it sounds so perfect for every one in this life... Often we do not appreciate what we have. Thank you for this post, and thank you for introducing me Ashley. I'm touched really.
ReplyDeletei could definitely have used one of these yesterday - one of those days that starts out bad and just goes downhill from there. tomorrow will be better, right? :) hope you (and your little under-the-weather one) recover quickly!
ReplyDeletebess :)
I love reading LBB!
ReplyDeleteFeel better!
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ReplyDeleteUgh - I hope things have turned around since then. It always seems that when one thing goes wrong, several other things pile on top. I'm so happy that you can look on the bright side and Choose Joy! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd the bracelets match your shirt! That joy squared.
ReplyDelete"Really!?" is an exasperation that comes out of my mouth too often! And for simpler things that a car bust-up I daresay... Glad you had the help you needed and hope your little guy feels better- I hate it when they are sick, but love that they are more cuddly too :) And I also enjoy Ashley- she is a marvel! I worry for her. And her bracelets are forever on pre-sale, so I'd love to have one! Sure hope you have a nice rest of the week and weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI love that phrase! Something I need to remember more often with an 8-month old in the house. :)
ReplyDeletewhat a day.... i had a week like that with flu e ness and mass emeses and mass laundry. yes choose joy is a wonderful thing!! like it says in the bible book james, consider it all joy when faced with trials. what fun bracelets to remind us all that it is a choice most of the time.
ReplyDeleterubberduckywon (attttt) g mail thanks
Way to have a good attitude especially in the face of car troubles! I would love a bracelet as I have been reading Ashley's blog for a while and think she is AMAZING! By the way, I am in LOVE with your tutorial for the peacock necklace...i followed the link to your blog! Seriously LOVE it! Like run to the store to get everything I need right now love....
ReplyDeletecrannberri7 (at) hotmail (dot) com