items of concern and why they shouldn't be

So, this started out as a listing of the things that are frustrating me lately. Then, I decided that it sounded like I was a bit ungrateful...so I decided to find the silver lining in each item. I'm feeling much better now!

• I've taken up running very recently and every part of my body from my knees down is aching. Should I be concerned or is this just part of the normalness of running? The good news is that I'm running and mostly enjoying it! Also, I've gotten several of my girlfriends to join me at the gym too, which makes it that much more enjoyable.

• Elliot hasn't gotten a seasonal flu shot or his second round of H1N1. When we attempted to get his seasonal at Avery's last checkup, he flat out refused. What do you do with that, short of tackling and sitting on him while the nurse gives him the shot? I even tried bribing him with McDonalds. We're supposed to make a second attempt at her next appt later this month. This time, I'm walking out of the room and leaving it to the dr. office staff to tackle and sit on him. The question is, should I forewarn him or let him be surprised? Hmmm... The good news is that he hasn't gotten the flu. He's been pretty healthy this year (knock on wood).

• In lieu of a party for Elliot's birthday, we do something special with him and let him bring a friend along. This year, he chose to go to a Pacer game. Here is the concern: the Pacer game was only an option because he received a certificate for BOGO tickets through a contest at school. I failed to send the order form in by the due date :( I'm hoping that since the Pacers aren't exactly selling out games these days and that we upgraded the two free tickets in addition to purchasing two tickets that they will let us do it anyway. The up-side is that we have a plan B. If we can't go to the Pacer game, we'll go see the Globetrotters. I hope that the Globetrotters don't sell out.

• Why, oh why do I have this stupid skin issue on my ring finger? It won't go away. My dr. thinks it's a metal allergy. I've been wearing these rings for 13 years and now I'm allergic to them? I can't wear them and it makes me sad...and I think Matt's a bit peeved too. The good news is that Matt and I have been married 11 years. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. The rings do not make the marriage.

• The garbage disposal is not working, the shed doors are falling off, the shower in the master bath is leaking, the basement is still not finished, we don't have enough furniture in the basement for the family to sit down to watch TV, the living room is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint, and so on... Um, hello! We have a house. We have heat and mostly working appliances. We still have one working shower. The basement, while not completely finished is at least liveable.

• I'm sick of wearing sweat pants everyday, but my jeans still don't fit comfortably. This week, I was asked by a 4-year old why I was wearing pajamas. Talk about a blow to the self-esteem. The good news is that I get to stay home with my baby and she doesn't care what I wear!