Sunday Gratitudes

A few things that are making me happy this week and that I’m grateful for:

Tropical Storm Isaac

No, I’m not grateful for this storm wreaking havoc across the Caribbean. I’m grateful that, at the time of this writing, it remains a tropical storm rather than having strengthened into a hurricane and that it is moving in a WNW directions, away from Miami. While we’re still feeling its effects, we are not in its direct path.

Hurricane Fun

Some South Florida residents are behaving like the Apocalypse us upon us. They’re stocking up on enough water, canned food, and batteries for months. The rest of us poke fun at them and make the best of the stormy weather with a good book, cocktails, and hurricane haikus. Here’s mine:

Home Depot, Publix,
They love you, Isaac. Not me.
I’ve a plane to catch.

The Tourist Visa

I applied for a 12-month tourist visit for this leg of my journey to Australia. I honestly did not think it would be granted. I thought I’d get one for 6 months, 9 tops, but the Department of Immigration Citizenship granted it and the whole process from applying to receipt of approval took one week. Color me impressed, grateful, and super happy.

Glee

I stopped watching Glee halfway through the last season. There was no particular reason; I’m just not good at keeping up with television shows. I never remember what night something is on. I caught up on the show this week and I’m glad I did. While it still has some writing issues around the story arcs, there were some great moments and music. I look forward to seeing what the writers do with it next season.

Family Support

When I first told my mother I was going to Australia, she wasn’t exactly thrilled and my father is sad at my leaving. Despite their feelings, however, they’ve been nothing less than completely supportive. When I think of how children are rejected by their parents for so many stupid reasons, I feel very blessed.

About the image: Tropical Storm Isaac, the Weather Channel.