3 good things..(to increase optimism)

1. i have been holding on to a merchandise credit at rei for over a year. it was for $101, from returning a coat with a broken zipper. i have wanted gray cardi uggs for like, 3 years. (or 2 but it feels like 3). since i'm a "member" of the rei co-op i get a 20% coupon 3 or 4 times a year. i have been waiting and waiting in vain for the coupon to come, while at the same time waiting for the winter inventory to be gone when i need it. well, yesterday i decided that i would bite the bullet and pay the $40 out of pocket for the boots; still not a bad deal. well, weren't they on sale for $99.93? after tax they only cost me $4!!
2. i am more than halfway done with my stairway ballusters. i figured out that if i use a 1" craft brush the job is 4000 times easier. hopefully that job will be completed by friday.
3. last week i froze homemade chicken stock with a ton of chicken in it, and i am going to make a chicken potpie for dinner tonight.