Last week was a really bad week. All this week I’ve taken some time to think about a lot of things. When my mom told me about the tragic event last Tuesday, I sat and thought that night about the rest of the day; I had been so upset and angry about a bunch of stupid little things that then seemed so insignificant. And I realized that sometimes we just need to let go of all the little things that annoy us and try not to let them get us so upset. (Or maybe it’s just me that has to do this. But I think it applies to most people.)

So all week I have been trying to think of positive things, even a little every day. And I found that sometimes, in this case, the little things do matter. Here are some examples of positive things I thought about this week. Some things are bigger than others, but it doesn’t matter; just trying to think positively has helped a little, I think.

1) I finally got new glasses (this was exciting enough). I picked them up yesterday, and the woman at the store remembered me, even said my last name when I walked in. And I said to her, “I feel like we’ve come full circle together with my glasses.” She had been there when I first tried them on and when I went back with my prescription, and was very helpful the whole time. And I’ll remember all those little gestures of hers.

2) Someone at work today said, “Hi, Sara.” And I always think people don’t remember who I am. I smile at people in the halls, say hi, and often don’t get a response. So it’s even nicer when someone not only says hi first, but also uses your name. I was reading something the other day about reading people’s name tags when they check you out at a store (I think it was Elizabeth Edwards who said this); that you should use that person’s name while in line. That little gesture (again!) means a lot.

3) Karl Rove is resigning, and Dennis Hastert won’t seek reelection. Those things are positive in my book.

4) Miriam and our mom are leaving tomorrow for Michigan, where Miriam will be evaluated at a clinic and should receive treatment for her headaches. We’re hopeful that this will be the beginning of the end of a lot of pain for her.

5) I’m lucky that I have my family and a few really good friends around me. That’s all I have to say about that.

So, this post may sound sappy, but I don’t care. And there still will be room for complaining; there’s always “Cheers and Jeers.” But this is what I’m thinking about today.