Power of positive thoughts

As I write this post, I’m on day 4 of a rash that gives poison oak a run for its money, except I got it from our bay leaf tree. I’ve nicknamed the rash Bay Leaf Otis. This photo of my hands is about 80% improved from its worst stage.

Our buddies from Fresno, Ann, Roy, Janet and Lalo were up for the weekend, and we were joined by new friends for us, the Linneys. We had a fabulous time, as usual, spending time at the fire pit, eating some fantastic food, playing dozens of Scrabble games, and of course, working in the yard. 

Our bay leaf tree was damaged in the last storm, so Rick and Lalo cut it back, and then we proceeded to burn it in our pit—in hindsight, a big mistake. The three of us have been itching ever since. I’m now fighting back mad. Hoping today is a turning point! But even if I have a few more days of itching, today did prove to be a pretty sweet day.

One of my favorite markets is Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Roseville. I’ve been making the trek to Roseville for a few years now as they have such a great variety of organic produce, meat, and poultry, even nice flowers and plants, and I really like their employees. They are always so friendly and helpful. There doesn’t seem to be much of a turnover, which always indicates good management. 

I find the majority of what I need there, and for the savings I enjoy, I’m happy to make a quick trip to another market for anything that I can’t find with them. They have a monthly drawing. If you return the bottom portion of your receipt that shows your savings, with your name and email address and a phone number, you can enter the drawing to receive a gift card in the amount of your savings. 

I’ve been religiously returning my receipts providing the required info, and all along, I’ve been telling Rick, “one day, my receipt will be picked in this drawing.” 

The power of positive thinking never ceases to amaze me! This afternoon my phone rang, and my screen displayed “Grocery Outlet Roseville.” For a split second, I ran through all the reasons they could be calling me, and then I singled out the only possible reason it could be… my receipt had finally been selected in the drawing. 

I came close to screaming “Hello” into the phone as I heard Mitch introducing himself on the phone asking if I was Sue? “YES, I’m Sue!” I’ve been waiting for your call.

I recognized Mitch’s voice as he has helped me a number of times. He likely would not know me by my name, but he will when I return next week to celebrate my $107 worth of free groceries.

Even suffering with Bay Leaf Otis, my day was turning around. I made a trip to the pharmacy; I guess I should have done that a few days ago. As we administered the various remedies, they seemed to be helping. 

At day’s end, I received an invitation from Mercedes Fleming, the DJ from KFOK in Georgetown, to return this Sunday for a second short interview. My day was turning into something pretty special. Looking back over my first FB post about KFOK, I realize I referred to my previous interview as “my first interview,” I guess my way of wishing for this second interview.

I never underestimate the power of positive thought.