You Know You May Be Depressed When....

You know you may be depressed when Google decides that the most relevant ad to put at the bottom of your blog begins like this: "feeling stuck? Depression effects us all..." or this gem that I just noticed: "Save your marriage now!" I guess I can't complain too much--clearly, I seem only to post when I'm at the bottom of my emotional barrel.

So for a change of pace, let me attempt to write about some of the good things in my life. My daughter started kindergarten last week on Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon:
Me: SO--how was your first day?
A: Great!

Wednesday afternoon:
Me: How was school today?
A: REALLY grrreat!

Thursday afternoon:
Me: Hi SweetiePie. How was school today?
A: Splendid!

Talking about "good stuff" is surprisingly difficult. For example, I have this overwhelming urge to talk about when S.O. called me downstairs this past weekend because he felt something crawling on the top of head--after he flicked it off and it scurried under our living room rug I assisted him in the search and destroy... and what do you suppose the bug was? Nothing less than a cockroach...excuse me...a "water bug" that seems to be half the size of Rhode Island. Talk about motivation to keep the dishes washed.

Okay. Positive stuff. One of my new bosses took me to lunch and I managed to be fairly charming. I think I may be on a roll. My list of positive stuff:

1. My daughter's general enjoyment of kindergarten and her teacher noting that she "wished she had a classroom full of kids like A."
2. I kept my foot out of my mouth while lunching with the new boss
3. I only spent 30 dollars at Target (as opposed to the 150 dollars of merchandise that I fully intended to purchase 30 seconds before getting to the cash register).
4. I almost got to go hang out with an almost friend tonight
5. I had a wonderful and relaxing dinner with A. (she makes a fantastic salad by the way).
6. I have found renewed enjoyment in shopping since "discovering" a store around the corner called "Dirt Cheap."

(Dramatic Pause of 10 minutes or so while I valiantly attempt to put 10 items on my list).

7. I helped a graduate student think through some dissertation research issues
8. A friend's wife's cancer has gone into a miraculous remission
9. A friend of mine is pregnant
10. Even though my grandma was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, I have hope and faith that things will be okay and I take tremendous comfort in the knowledge that she is a living example of the power of deeply-rooted spirituality and a positive, blessing-seeking attitude.

I sent Grandma a plant today. It's a kalanchoe that FTD described this way "Given the proper care, this lovely plant will last for years." She's an 84-year old that you'd swear was 65. If you're reading this post, please send some prayers and positive thoughts her way.